Police say they can now name the person located deceased in the water near Kāpiti Island on 25 January.
He was 69-year-old Philip Lucas of Palmerston North, who went missing from Palmerston North on Christmas Eve.
His death has been referred to the Coroner.
Police say their thoughts are with his family and friends.
There had been much speculation as to the identity of the body, including the possibility it may have been missing Kāpiti woman Breanna Murawai. That investigation is ongoing.
