The body of the woman who went missing after entering the confluence of the Ōtara and Waioweka River in Ōpōtiki on Sunday has been found.

Fishers discovered the woman's body in the water near Moutohorā Island yesterday and notified police.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks said formal identification was undertaken, and the deceased was confirmed as the 36-year-old woman who entered the Ōtara River mouth and Waioweka River mouth.

Her death has been referred to the Coroner and the IPCA has been notified, according to standard procedure.

Police have thanked their partner agencies, searchers, and the community for their efforts to return the woman to her whānau.

Earlier in the day search efforts had been concentrated at the river mouths with specialist search teams, including the Police National Dive Squad, on site.

Search efforts had also involved helicopter and drone aerial searches, search dogs, New Zealand LandSAR, and Coastguard Ōpōtiki.

Two people, a man and a woman, entered the river confluence after fleeing from a vehicle on foot on Snell Road shortly after 4am.

It is alleged they had earlier failed to stop for police.

A 33-year-man was arrested in Gisborne yesterday, and appeared in court facing multiple charges, including driving in a dangerous manner and failing to stop when followed with red and blue flashing lights.

Urgent information can be passed on via 111, referencing job number P067829874.

Other information which may help can be reported via 105, referencing the same job number.

Anyone with information in relation to the matter is asked to contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, referencing 261004/6772.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.