Police identify man’s body found at New Plymouth beach

Monday, 1 September 2025

Police have now identified a man’s body that was found on the shoreline of Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth.

A spokesperson said the deceased man was located around 6.50am, Monday, and was thought to be in his 50s.

He was described as being of a thin build with a white beard, and was wearing a high-vis shirt and black sweatpants, the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson later said police were now providing ongoing support to the man’s family and thanked the public who had provided information.

Residents around Fitzroy Beach could notice an increased police presence while inquiries continue.

However, police left the area shortly before 9.30am, although inquiries into the circumstances of the death were ongoing.

New Plymouth resident Sam Whiteman was walking his dogs around 7am when he noticed police on the beach.

“I couldn’t really tell what was going on but another passer-by told me that he thought he saw a body bag and the police have lifted it into a vehicle and driven away,” he said.

The discovery of the body had not stopped anyone using the beach or disrupted trade at the Fitzroy Beach Kiosk.

The man’s body was expected to undergo a post-mortem examination in the coming days.

Anyone with information that could assist police could get in touch via 105, either over the phone or online, and reference event number P063666583.