Police have released the names of the two boys who died after a bank collapsed along the Tarawera River on 16 April.
They were 11-year-old Luti Maui Mafi and 10-year-old Paul Mason Lloyd.
Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area CommanderInspector Phil Gillbanks said Police are continuing to provide support to the boys’ whānau.
"I want to acknowledge the outpouring of support from the Kawerau community at this incredibly tragic time."
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at Boyce Park at around 11.30am last Thursday.
Gillbanks said a group of children had been fishing and playing on the northern side of the river, when the bank collapsed, trapping two of the children underneath.
“Two police officers on arrival swam across the river and attempted to locate and dig for the boys with their bare hands," he said.
“They were soon joined by volunteer fire brigade staff who roped down the cliff area with equipment.”
Gillbanks said Surf Lifesaving New Zealand lifeguards in an IRB assisted emergency services.
A rāhui was placed on the River following the incident.
The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.
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