A recovery operation is underway at Lake Rotokākahi near Rotorua following the discovery of a body this morning. Officers made the discovery at approximately 8AM while conducting enquiries related to a homicide that occurred in Pahiatua in Oct 2025.
While formal identification is still pending, Police believe the deceased may be a person of interest in the ongoing Pahiatua homicide investigation. Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson stated that although there is no threat to the public, an increased Police presence will remain in the area as enquiries continue.
Prior to the recovery of the body, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao performed a blessing of the site. In response to the discovery, the Rotokākahi Board of Control has placed a rāhui over the sacred lake, which is regarded as a spiritual and tapu site for Te Arawa.
“Rotokākahi is one of the 14 lakes of Te Arawa, but among those, this one is the spiritual lake, the most sacred lake,” said Tūhourangi kaumātua Hone Nuku Tarwhiti. The lake has recently been at the center of a significant legal battle between the Board and the Rotorua Lakes Council to protect its sanctity and wāhi tapu.
Police have expressed their gratitude to the Coastguard Rotorua Lakes volunteers for their assistance during the recovery operation. Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.The lake has recently been at the centre of a significant legal battle between the Board and the Rotorua Lakes Council to protect its sanctity and wāhi tapu.
Police have expressed their gratitude to the Coastguard Rotorua Lakes volunteers for their assistance during the recovery operation. Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.