Human skeletal remains found on the Portobello coastline in March have been identified as those of a man reported missing from the area last year, Police say.
Portobello is a small settlement on the Otago Peninsula, about 15km east of central Dunedin.
A police spokesperson said officers were notified on March 23 after a member of the public discovered skeletal remains at low tide on the Portobello coastline.
Enquiries subsequently confirmed the remains were human.
Murray Allan Wakefield was reported missing near Port Chalmers last year. Photo / NZ Police
Police carried out a scene examination and made a number of enquiries on behalf of the Coroner to establish the person’s identity.
The remains have now been formally identified as those of Murray Allen Wakefield, who was 55 when he was reported missing from the nearby Deborah Bay area on May 13, 2025.
Police have informed Wakefield’s family and are providing them with support.
The death has been referred to the Coroner.
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