A body found in bush at Matarangi has been identified as Auckland man Cem Erbay, missing on the Coromandel Peninsula since New Year's Day.
The 19-year-old man, who had a heart condition, disappeared on New Year's Day from the north end of Simpsons Beach, 16km south of Matarangi.
Today police completed a forensic scene examination of the area where Mr Erbay's body was found, in thick undergrowth about 50 metres into a pine plantation, 100 metres from the Matarangi Shopping Centre.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greene, of Waikato CIB, said the body recovery and formal identification phases had been completed and he confirmed the body found about 4pm yesterday was that of Mr Erbay.
"Cem's family were present throughout the proceedings today and they are understandably very upset and have asked that their privacy be respected at this time.''
Mr Erbay was the stepson of Radio New Zealand's new Morning Report host Simon Mercep.
Mr Greene said Mr Erbay's body was being taken back to Auckland today by launch from Coromandel and an autopsy would be conducted tomorrow to try to establish a cause of death.
"At this stage investigators are still working to piece together Cem's movements and we would still like to hear from anyone who may have been in contact with him during the morning of New Year's Day who hasn't already spoken to police.
"We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have given him a lift in their car or had any other interaction with him over this period,'' he said.
Mr Erbay's heart condition made it dangerous for him to over-exert himself and he could become disorientated and confused.
Anyone with any information on Mr Erbay's movements should contact Mr Greene at Whitianga police station.
