Body found in Waikato River following search for missing man
Wednesday 23 September 2026 · 4 outlets · 7 reports · updated In this story Nicky Hager
Police have recovered the body of a man from the Waikato River in Hamilton. The man was reported missing around 1.30am Wednesday near Swarbrick Landing, where his clothes and mobile phone were found. Search efforts involved boats, a helicopter, and drones.
Key facts
4 facts
- A man's body was found in the Waikato River near River Oaks Place
- The incident was reported at approximately 1.30am on Wednesday near Swarbrick Landing
- Search efforts included helicopters, drones, and boats
- The death has been referred to the coroner
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
Police have recovered the body of a man from the Waikato River in Hamilton. The man was reported missing at approximately 1.30am on Wednesday.
The body was located near River Oaks Place, which is roughly 3km from where the man was first reported missing. He was suspected to have entered the water near Swarbrick Landing off River Road. At that location, he had left behind his cell phone and clothes.
The search operation involved a police helicopter, drones, and search and rescue boats. Inspector Scott Miller stated, "The man’s body was located near River Oaks Pl, approximately 3km from where he was first reported missing from".
The death has been referred to the coroner. Inspector Miller expressed that police extend their deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the man.
How it developed
- Wed 23 Sep, 9:07amThe search concluded with the discovery of a man's body near River Oaks Place, where he had previously left his clothes and phone.
Where reports differ
- Earlier reports focused on an ongoing search for a person suspected to have jumped into the water, while later reports confirmed the discovery of a man's body.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, Waikato Times, NZ Herald and 1News.