Forensic tests are ongoing to establish the identity of human skeletal remains that were uncovered in a bush gully in the Mangahao Dam area of the Tararua Foothills on Monday.
Central District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Ross McKay said the area in which the remains were found was of interest to officers investigating the disappearance of missing Levin man Palmiro Macdonald, who was last seen on Wednesday 23 March, 2016.
"Given that we've yet to locate him, it has got to be a possibility that it's Palmiro Macdonald," said Mr McKay. "However, there are other cases of people who've been reported missing in this area over the years.
"Until the forensics are completed, which could take days, we can't confirm the identity of the deceased."
Mr Macdonald's family have been made aware of the latest developments.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre