Attributable to Inspector Phil Gillbanks:

A body has been recovered this afternoon near Moutohorā Island, north of Whakatāne.

Police were called to the area about 1.15pm after the body was discovered in the water by a member of the public.

The formal identification process has been undertaken, and the deceased has been confirmed as the 36-year-old woman who entered the Ōtara River mouth and Waioeka River mouth in Ōpotiki on Sunday. Her death will be referred to the Coroner.

Police have paused the search for missing 47-year-old Erika Rodrigues Coelho.

This difficult decision follows extensive searches of the area since Erika was reported missing on 20 September.

Sergeant Terry Wood says Police would like to thank every person who has dedicated countless hours of their time to the Search and Rescue operation.