Body found near Kawau Island identified as missing fisherman

Photo / Chris Gorman, Supplied

A body found near Kawau Island on Saturday has been formally identified as that of missing fisherman Nicholas Stubbs, police say.

The 22-year-old man failed to return from a fishing trip with his friend Stewart Atutahi, 37, on October 14.

The body of Mr Atutahi was found on October 15 near Kawau Island.

"Our thoughts are with Mr Stubbs' family," Inspector Mark Fergus said today.

The four-metre fibreglass boat that Mr Stubbs and Mr Atutahi went fishing in has not been found.

Their deaths have been referred to the coroner.

A service to celebrate Mr Stubbs; life will be held at the Mahurangi East Community Centre at Snells Beach on Friday.