New Zealand police have identified a human foot that was discovered on a beach last month and used DNA technology to confirm it belonged to a Samoan man who went missing last December.

According to a statement released by New Zealand Police on Tuesday, the discovery of the body part was made on Petone Beach in Wellington on 25 March 2023 and DNA analysis confirmed the remains to be those of missing Petone man Fiva Pita.

Mr. Pita, aged 74, had been reported missing, having last been seen by his family in the week before Christmas 2022. Police are working to support Mr. Pita’s family, who are understandably distressed by the news.

"On their behalf, we request that their privacy is respected and that media not attempt to contact them," the New Zealand Police statement reads. 

"Mr. Pita’s disappearance is not believed to be suspicious and the matter will be referred to the Coroner, who will release their findings in due course.

"Despite an extensive search by Police since the initial remains were discovered, further remains have not been located."

Police continue to undertake enquiries on behalf of the Coroner in Wellington. 

"If anyone has information that may assist our enquiries, including any sightings of Mr. Pita around Christmas 2022, we ask that they get in touch."

New Zealand-based online news service Stuff reported Tuesday that the deceased man moved to New Zealand from Samoa in the early 1970s and in recent years survived a cancer diagnosis. 

Describing the late Mr. Pita as a skilled sportsperson, Stuff reported that he was involved with a Samoan golfing team that travelled abroad over the last few years. He was also seen in the Lower Hutt's public libraries. His family had described his lack of contact during his disappearance last December as out of character.