Police can now release the name of the man who died after running into the sea at Mt Maunganui earlier this week.

He was John Rawiri Piripi Pitihira, aged 37, from Mount Maunganui, says a statement released by police overnight.

"Police are continuing to provide support to John’s whānau.

"A post mortem has been completed and the results have been referred to the Coroner.

"Police have also notified the incident to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA)."

John's body was discovered during a shoreline search on April 15.

Acting district commander Inspector Clifford Paxton says police were called to Surf Road at Mount Maunganui at 3.40am after three men were seen loading timber into a vehicle.

He says officers arrived as the men were driving off and blocked the vehicle’s exit path.

"One occupant, a 32-year-old man, was arrested as he attempted to exit the vehicle through the boot.

"The remaining two were pursued on foot by officers."

A 53-year-old man was detained after an altercation with officers, however, a 37-year-old man ran into the sea in an effort to avoid arrest, says Clifford.

"For their own safety, the officer elected not to follow the man into the surf and additional police units began a shoreline search."

About 5am, the body of a man was found a short distance up Omanu Beach.

"Despite efforts from police, FENZ and ambulance crews, the man was unable to be revived.