Body found on Waiheke Island

The body was found at around 2pm and police officers are now onsite; carrying out a scene examination. Photo / File

A body has been found near bush on Waiheke Island today.

Auckland City Police have launched an investigation this afternoon after a member of the public made the discovery while walking near bush near Ocean View Road.

The body was found at around 2pm and police officers are now onsite; carrying out a scene examination.

No further details have been released about the discovery and whether the body belongs to a male or female or how long it might have been there.

Police say the body will remain at the scene overnight before being taken for a post mortem examination tomorrow.

Waiheke Local Board member Becs Ballard said she understood the body was found at the Atawhai-Whenua Reserve.

The reserve can be accessed by the public via Ocean View Road and is a popular walking route for those heading to and from the island's ferry terminal.

Ms Ballard acknowledged that although the circumstances surrounding the death was not yet known, there was a feeling of shock amongst the community following the news.

"Obviously we view Waiheke as a really safe community. You know, people don't lock their houses or their cars. So if it was suspicious then it would be a huge shock to the community,'' she said.

"Bad things don't normally happen at Waiheke - it's super safe.''