Body of missing 5-year-old found in pond near his home

The body of five-year-old Kaizer, who went missing from his home in the rural Hangaroa district of Gisborne, has been found in a farm pond about 100 metres from his house.

Kaizer, who had not been seen since 2 pm on Sunday, was the focus of an extensive search involving specialist teams, rescue dogs, a helicopter, and around 300 community members.

The search area was described in a report by state media as rugged and treacherous.

The police dive squad located Kaizer after an hour of searching the pond. His family has taken him home and requested privacy.