Body confirmed as that of missing Te Awamutu teen

Matthew Knight

Police have released the name of the person whose body was located near the mouth of Mohaka River, south of Wairoa, last week.

He was 19-year-old Matthew Knight from Te Awamutu.

The teenager went missing on October 9 in the Raupunga/Mohaka River areas and despite extensive searches, there was no sign of him until last Tuesday.

Police previously said the death was not being treated as suspicious. They thanked Ngati Pāhauwera for their support during the operation to recover the body.

Police have been working to support Matthew’s family at this difficult time.

The matter has been referred to the coroner.

A rāhui put in place on the Mohaka beach/river was lifted last week.