Missing Otorohanga farmer found drowned

Police divers have found the body of an Otorohanga farmer who drowned while trying to dislodge a fallen tree from across the Waipa River, police say.

The body of the 57-year-old - whose name has not been released - was found about 11 am today, Otorohanga police Sergeant Joe Spranger said today.

He was reported missing about 11 am yesterday.

"The incident is being treated as an unfortunate and untimely accident, where there are no suspicious circumstances," Senior Sergeant Robert Van Kalken said in a statement today.

- NZPA