The search for a missing Ōpōtiki man has ended following the discovery of a body in the Toatoa area on Saturday.

Police had been searching for 52-year-old Billie-Joe Pereniki since he was reported missing on September 7 after last being seen at his home on August 30.

A body was located during the search, with police subsequently concluding the search operation.

A rāhui was placed across the Ōpape area by Ngāi Tama Haua hapū, with the beach closed to people and vehicles while the recovery process took place.

The rāhui asks the community to pause and give the area, the whānau and those involved in the recovery the respect and space they need.

Pereniki was returned to his whānau yesterday and is lying at Waiaua Marae near Ōpōtiki.