A post mortem is underway on humans remains found in a rubbish bag floating on Gulf Harbour north of Auckland.
Police say their priority is to identify the person and cause of death.
They've completed enquiries at the scene and the cordons are being removed this afternoon.
Police are asking residents who have seen anything out of the ordinary to get in touch.
A fisherman who snagged the bag near the local ferry terminal, thought it might be a log or a dead animal.
After hauling the heavy item ashore, he struggled through layers of plastic, opening the bags to a grissly discovery; including a hand.
Otago University lecturer Doctor Angela Clark is a forensic anthropologist and speaks to Lisa Owen
