The man whose body was found in the Popua waterway has been named as 22-year-old Kevini Maka of Pātangata.
Police forensic unit pulled his body from the waterway on Tuesday afternoon.
It is understood Police were awaiting an autopsy report to determine the cause of Maka’s death.
The deceased’s friends and relatives were shocked by the news of his death.
A Facebook user who goes by the name Fiufeinga ki he Lelei Taha lamented Maka’s death and wrote that if he was still staying with them in Talafo’ou he was still alive.
Another Facebook user wrote she was devastated after she found out the body Police were seeking help to identify yesterday was that of Maka.
One commentator has described him as “always smiling” and “enjoyed playing with kids”.
Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.
Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.
