Body removed from Rotorua hot pools

Emergency services have recovered a body from a Rotorua hot pool.

Police cordoned off a section of Kuirau Park, opposite Rotorua Hospital, after a member of the public contacted them about 1.20pm today.

A local kaumatua and Reverend Tom Poata were at the scene and appeared to be sprinkling water and saying a karakia.

A hearse is parked nearby.

Police, search and rescue staff, firefighters and Rotorua Lakes Council worked on the recovery plan.

Police said the body was of an adult.

The death was being treated as unexplained and police were now working to identify who the person was and establish their last movements.

Police were liaising with the coroner.

The park scene has been blessed and the park has now re-opened.

No further comment from police was expected today.

Before the body was recovered, Rotorua area commander Inspector Bruce Horne said the recovery would be "difficult and dangerous" due to the extreme heat of the pool.

Mr Horne said it would be done "in such a way that we can keep the dignity of the person in there".

The body was removed from the hot pool, placed into a body bag on a stretcher and loaded into a waiting hearse.

Fire crews and police officers are now packing up to leave the scene.