The searchers covered the beach on foot with the IRBs used to search inshore.
"The aircraft covered an area 3 to 4 kilometres out to sea.
"Unfortunately, we were unable to recover Mr Tamatea's body so the matter is now in the hands of the coroner."
Sgt Lexmond said the week-long search could not have been more intense.
"Everyone involved is really disappointed for the family.
"We all really wanted to get a result for them, and return their loved one to them."
"We had hoped the big seas on Friday and Saturday might have helped return him but unfortunately it did not work out that way."
Victim Support are continuing to support the family and the beach goers at Pouawa.
"The family have had their own dive search going and shoreline search daily, and that will continue this week," a Victim Support spokeswoman said.
- The Gisborne Herald
