Man who died in city river named

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Police have released the name of the homeless man who died in an apparent drowning incident in the Tūranganui River on Thursday night last week.

He was 64-year-old Francis Tuta Hongara of no fixed abode.

Police said Mr Hongara had whānau links in Gisborne.

A funeral service for him was held earlier this week.

Mr Hongara was seen in the river by friends, who alerted police and officers pulled him out of the water.

Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

The police inquiry into the tragedy continues on behalf of the Coroner.

A rāhui on the Tūranganui, Taruheru and Waimatā rivers ended yesterday.