Police can today release the name of a man who died in Ruakākā on Monday.
He was local man, 29-year-old Matthew George Taylor.
Matthew leaves behind a partner and three young children.
"They are all struggling to come to terms with their loss," Sergeant Simon Craig, from Ruakākā Station, says.
"What should have been morning exercise in good conditions has turned into a tragedy."
His family have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.
Police have established that Matthew had gone kayaking in the sheltered Ruakākā estuary.
"A search operation got underway after Matthew failed to return home," Sergeant Craig says.
"Matthew was located a few hours later by Ruakākā Surf Lifesaving Club members in the estuary a short distance from where his upturned kayak was found."
Police acknowledge those involved in the search for Matthew.
A rāhui has been put in place by Patuharakeke kaumātua over the Ruakākā River, which lifts this afternoon.
Police are referring Matthew's death to the Coroner.
