Foot found on Petone Beach identified, belonged to missing man

Fiva Pita was last seen in December of 2022. Photo / NZ Police

Wellington Police have identified the foot that washed up on Petone Beach last month.

Through DNA analysis they can now confirm the foot belonged to 74-year-old Fiva Pita, who has not been seen since Christmas 2022.

A spokesperson for the police said they are working to support Pita’s family, who are “understandably distressed by this news”.

His disappearance is not being treated as suspicious and his death has been referred to the Coroner.

Despite multiple searches, no further remains have been discovered.

Pita was last seen at Queensgate Mall in December and his last contact with his brother occurred on the 23rd - the same day his bank account was accessed for the last time.

On February 16, Police issued a photo of the elderly man and an appeal to the public for help to find him.

The photo shows Pita with a huge smile. He is wearing a lightweight baby blue jacket with a royal blue shirt underneath.

He is pictured with a person whose image has been cropped out. They are standing in a shop and there are Christmas decorations hanging in the background.

The image was shared on a number of Police social media sites, including the Wellington District Police Facebook page.

“Have you seen Fiva? Fiva was reported missing this week and was last seen by his family before Christmas in Petone,” the post reads.

“Police and his family have concerns for his welfare and would like to see him return home.”

Police are still appealing to the public for any sightings of Pita around Christmas and are urging anyone who may think they can help to contact Police.

Did you see Fiva Pita around Christmas? Contact Police on 105 or via the Police website online, using the Update My Report feature. Reference file number 230325/6238.