Following a post-mortem examination, Police can advise the body located in Central Hawke's Bay on Tuesday afternoon is that of 66-year old Earle (Pat) Taka who was reported missing in mid-March.

The body was discovered by a contractor who was carrying out flood protection work in waterways in the Ōtāne area on Tuesday during the weather event.

Pat, a grandfather and long-term resident of Ōtāne, last used his bank card at an ATM in Waipukurau on March 13, which is his last confirmed sighting.

He was also reportedly spotted at his home next to Te Aute College off State Highway 2 a week later on March 20, according to police.

He has been missing since and his family - which includes his four children who live outside Hawke’s Bay - were made aware of his disappearance in late March, who then reported him missing to police in early April.

Pat did not own a vehicle and would routinely hitchhike to Hastings or Waipukurau to get his pension or do his groceries.

"Whilst the circumstances surrounding Mr Taka’s disappearance have been investigated for some time, there is nothing to suggest the death to be suspicious," says a police spokesperson.

"Police have advised Mr Taka's whanau and are providing support at this difficult time."