Police divers were searching on Saturday for a fisherman missing in the Kawakawa Bay area south-east of Auckland, where the body of his friend was found earlier in the day.
Sergeant John Saunders of the Police Maritime Unit says three Polynesian men went out flounder fishing about 11pm on Friday.
One man decided to return, but the two others stayed on fishing.
Sergeant Saunders says people living nearby heard cries for help just before 5am on Saturday and saw what appeared to be torches in a tidal stream.
Rescue services were called, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter discovered the body of one of the men in the water.
Sergeant Saunders says none of the men were believed to have been wearing life jackets.
Coastguard and helicopter searches have been wound down.
