Police have confirmed that a body found at Gisborne's Kaiti Beach nearly three weeks ago is that of missing man Amandeep Singh.
A homicide inquiry was launched on January 24th after people walking along the old road at the end of the beach found the remains of a man in scrub and small trees.
The coroner today released the body to Mr Singh's family.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott says lengthy forensic examination has confirmed the identity.
"The inquiry team is satisfied the body is that of Amandeep Singh," he said.
The 22-year-old disappeared on December 29 after leaving his home in Gladstone Road, telling flatmates he was going to the Rhythm and Vines music festival.
A flatmate reported him missing two days later.
Mr Scott said Mr Singh's family were making arrangements to take the body back to India.
'We expect that process to be complete within the next week. In the meantime the body remains in the mortuary at Gisborne Hospital."
Mr Scott said he had been in contact with a family representative.
"They are grateful that we have been able positively identify the body, and to release their loved one to them. It will obviously provide some closure for them."
The homicide inquiry was ongoing.
"We are still working through information we have received, and continue to receive."
Police were not releasing details on the cause of death at this stage, established as part of the post-mortem conducted on Mr Singh's body.
"I am unable to make comment at this stage on the status of our investigation," Mr Scott said.
A fundraising appeal for the Singh family has now raised over $1500.
The money will be used to assist the family with expenses associated with the return of Amandeep's body to India.
- Murray Robertson of the Gisborne Herald
