Body of missing fisherman Peter Koziol believed found in Waipawa River

Fisherman Peter Koziol had been missing for over a week. Photo / Supplied

A body of a man in the Waipawa River was recovered this afternoon by police.

In a statement this evening, police said the body is yet to be formally identified but it's understood to be missing fisherman Peter Koziol.

The 55-year-old, from Palmerston North, planned to fish the Waipawa River but had been missing for more than a week.

"Next-of-kin have been notified and they do not wish to make any comment. They are asking for privacy as they come to terms with the incident," the police statement said.

"Police would like to especially thank the Land SAR volunteers and Hawke's Bay Surf Lifesaving volunteers who have given up their time to assist with the search.

"The family has also expressed their thanks to those search volunteers and staff involved."

The body was recovered approximately 1.5 kilometres downstream from the State Highway 5 bridge in Waipawa.

An earlier search had been called off days ago as the river had become too swollen for the police dive squad.

Police had since discovered Koziol's vehicle near the river.

The death is now before the coroner.