Update: Body found at Awatoto identified

Police have today completed the formal identification of the body found on Awatoto Beach on Friday 19 January.    We can now confirm that it is missing 32-year-old French man Pierre Antoine Paludet.    Mr Paludet’s family has been advised and arrangements will be made to return him home to them.    Police have referred the matter to the Coroner.    We would like to thank the Haumoana community for the information and assistance provided during our investigation into Mr Paludet’s disappearance.    ENDS   Issued by Police Media Centre.