Police have released the name of a man who died in Kawerau last week.

He was 24-year-old Norman Te Rangi of Kawerau.

A police spokesperson says an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Te Rangi's death is ongoing.

In a statement released last week, police said Norman had drowned in the Tarawera River in Thursday afternoon.

'At around 1.30pm, a 24-year-old man with a warrant to arrest was sighted in Kawerau.

Police say the man then fled from officers and ran toward the river.

"He jumped into the water, where he quickly got into difficulty.

"Police pulled him out and conducted CPR, however, the man died at the scene.

"An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is underway."

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.