Rāhui in place on Tutaekuri River after woman's body found

Police were working to establish the identity of the female. Photo / Google Maps

A rāhui has been placed on the Tutaekurī River in Hawke's Bay from Waiohiki to Waitangi, after the body of a female was found by a member of the public on Tuesday evening.

Mana whenua placed the rāhui, which prohibits anyone from swimming, until March 21 or collecting mahinga kai/food until March 25 from the river.

There was to be a karakia at 4pm on Thursday near Pettigrew Green Arena.

Hawke's Bay Police with the Police National Dive Squad recovered the body from the river, near Taradale, on Wednesday.

A police spokeswoman said the body was found by a member of the public about 6.50pm on Tuesday.

"Police are continuing the formal identification process in relation to the woman found deceased in the Tutaekurī River on Tuesday evening," she said.

"A post mortem has been carried out today.

"A scene examination has wrapped up, and inquiries are ongoing to help determine the circumstances around the woman's death."