Police have launched a homicide investigation after the body of missing 28-year-old Harley Shrimpton was located this week.

Harley had been missing since November 3 and was reported missing to police on November 17.

A 21-year-old male appeared in the Tauranga District Court yesterday, charged with the kidnapping of Harley.

He is due to reappear later this month.

Over the past two weeks, police have searched a number of addresses in the Western Bay of Plenty, says Bay of Plenty Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow.

"As a result, the body of a male was located at a Poripori Road address and we have since confirmed this is Harley.

"Clearly, this is devastating news for the family of Harley, who had continued to hold out hope for his safe return since his disappearance.

"Police are working closely with the family as they navigate through this very difficult time."

Harley was well known in the Tauranga community and police are keen to hear from any of his friends, associates or extended family, who may have information surrounding his disappearance, says Lindsay.

"There will be people who have knowledge of this incident and we are appealing for those persons to come forward to Police. 

"Police also want to hear from anyone who may have seen a vehicle of interest to this investigation -  a blue Toyota Prius on November, 3 either in the Tauriko, Omanawa or Poripori Road areas, from early afternoon onwards."

Information can be passed to Police via our 105 phone service, or by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and using 'Update Report', referencing file number 231117/9085.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org