Michael's returning to his whanau

The body of 29-year-old Kaitaia born soldier Michael Victor Ross, which was recovered from the lake where he lost his life on Tuesday last week, will be returned to Pamapuria where he will be laid to rest in the church cemetery, amongst his whanau.

Family spokesman Charles Hohaia said yesterday that definite plans could not be made until the Coroner had released the body, but as of yesterday it was expected that there would be a military service at Linton after which the body would be transported to his mother Eileen Ross' home in Papakura, after a pause at the Waiouru Marae on the way north.

An Anglican service was planned for Papakura tomorrow, and the journey would then continue to Pamapuria, accompanied by a military entourage, arriving at the church there on Saturday afternoon for the funeral.

"That's all subject to the Coroner," Mr Hohaia said, "and if the body isn't released then I guess it will all get pushed back 24 hours."

The family was very grateful to "have him back," he added.

"His mum's going through a mix of emotions, including relief, and now we're going on to the next stage of grieving."

Mr Ross' body was recovered from Lake Moawhango, near Waiouru, by police and Navy divers on Tuesday afternoon, almost seven days to the hour after he fell from an inflatable boat whilst taking part in a training exercise. From the start the family expressed gratitude for the efforts of those looking for him, Mr Hohaia saying yesterday that the divers had been thanked in particular after the search ended.

Colonel Evan Williams, commander training and doctrine, was also proud of the way the search had been conducted. At times more than 100 police, Army and Navy personnel had been involved, the lake being a difficult environment to search because of its depth, and sediment and growth on the bottom.

The body was found in about 40 metres of water.

"Whether they have been assisting with a shoreline search, operating sonar equipment or diving in the lake, everyone involved has shown immense professionalism and commitment to the search," Colonel Williams said.

Police area commander Inspector Steve Mastrovich said that although the searchers would have hoped for a happier outcome they were pleased that, in recovering the body, they could give some comfort to those grieving.