Human remains found in a Bay of Plenty forest have been positively identified as belonging to a man missing from the Taupō area since last December.
Lofty Maki, 63, of Murapara was reported missing on December 9, 2022.
Extensive searches were carried out but officers were unable to locate him.
In April this year, human remains were located by hunters in Bay of Plenty’s Kaingaroa Forest.
“DNA testing involving Mr Maki’s close relatives took three months to return a result, finally establishing that the deceased person was Mr Maki,” police said.
“Police offer their condolences to Maki’s whānau.”
Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.
Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.
