Body confirmed as Marice McGregor

A body found in a ravine north of Wanganui last week has been confirmed as that of missing woman Marice McGregor.

Her body was discovered in a ravine off State Highway 4 last Wednesday, as police searched the area for the missing 45-year-old.

There was a delay in identifying the body as it was badly decomposed.

Police today announced that her body had been formally identified and her family had been notified.

A post mortem was carried out over the weekend but the cause of death was yet to be determined, although preliminary findings were that Ms McGregor suffered head injuries.

The coroner would rule on the cause of death, police said.

The investigation into her disappearance was continuing for police and forensic experts.

Ms McGregor was last seen as she drove her red Suzuki Escudo on SH4, the Parapara Highway, about 40km north of Wanganui, on April 19.

An examination of the scene where her body was found continued throughout the weekend and specialists would continue to return to the scene "to ensure that no stone goes unturned", police said.

- NZPA