Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Dave Marshall:

Police can confirm one person has died in a house fire on Matakana Island this morning. 

Emergency services were called to the fire, on Paama Court, about 4.10am.

Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand attended the scene, with an investigation now under way to establish the cause.

At this stage we can advise that one person was located deceased inside the property.

One person was also treated for burns. 

Police will remain on scene through the day.

ENDS

Attribute to Inspector Phil Gillbanks:

Police are continuing to search for missing 52-year-old man Billyjoe Pereniki.

Billyjoe was reported missing from his home address in Opape Beach Road, Ōpōtiki on Monday 7 September having last been seen on the afternoon of Sunday 30 August.

Billyjoe is described as comfortable in the bush and is well known in the local area, however, the length of time that he has been away and not in contact with family is now considered unusual.