The Boyle River, in Canterbury (file photo). Photo: CC by SA / Michael Klajban
Police say a body has been found during a search and rescue operation in Canterbury.
About 3:15pm on Thursday, a helicopter crew taking part in the search said it had spotted a body in the Boyle River, police said in a bulletin.
"While the formal identification process is yet to be completed, it is believed to be the man who was swept into the river earlier this afternoon," they said.
"Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this tragic time.
Much of New Zealand has been hit by storms, with strong winds and heavy rain in some places.
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