A police boat, searching for the man before his body was found. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
An investigation into how a man went missing from a ferry in Wellington harbour has now been referred to the coroner, police say.
On Tuesday, a body was found by a dive squad in the search for the missing man.
He disappeared from an early morning East By West ferry travelling from the city to Eastbourne one week ago.
He was no longer on the vessel when it reached the dock, prompting a large-scale, multi-day search by more than a dozen boats and helicopters.
He was the only passenger onboard at the time.
Police identified the missing man on Monday but are not releasing any details.
On Friday, police said they were not in a position to release the name of the man.
He was previously described by police as being Pākehā and in his 40s.
RNZ asked if the police investigation had ended and it said it had - and it was now a matter for the coroner.
Harbourmaster Grant Nalder said the coroner was the right person to determine the cause of death.
He said the ferry company's vessel was built specifically for harbour use, and was designed to keep people safe.
"It would be a difficult boat to get off accidentally."
Nalder said the operator runs a safe service and had regular audits and inspections of the vessel.
Nalder said the family of the man had asked for privacy.
In a statement on Friday, East by West said this week Maritime NZ checked the boat and confirmed vessel safety systems, including the safety rails designed to stop passengers accidentally falling overboard, were compliant, as per its safety management system.
General manager Mat Jonsson said the company would be doing an internal review of the incident.
"But our focus at the moment is on providing support for the team.
"In due course, the Police investigation on behalf of the Coroner may require our input, and we will comply with any requests made of us during the investigation."
Earlier this week, Jonsson said his thoughts were with the family and friends of the man. He also acknowledged the impact on the crew.
He said conditions on the harbour that morning were very still.
"The main cabin of the vessel involved is fully enclosed, and the top deck has barriers around the passenger area to stop someone accidentally falling overboard," he said.
The rāhui on the inner harbour was lifted on Thursday morning.
