“Tragic and Sad”: Two Dead Following Tarawera River Incident

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at Boyce Park at around 11.30am today.

Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Phil Gillbanks said local kaumatua have performed karakia and placed a rāhui on the Tarawera River following the deaths of two children from a water-related incident this afternoon in Kawerau.

He 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.”

“They were soon joined by volunteer fire brigade staff who roped down the cliff area with equipment.”

Gillbanks said the two children were local Kawerau boys aged 10 and 11.

“Surf Lifesaving New Zealand lifeguards in an IRB assisted emergency services to bring the boys and rescue personnel back across the river where they have been met by grieving whanau,” he said. 

“I am extremely proud of the two police staff and the local volunteer fire brigade staff who did everything they could to locate the victims in perilous circumstances.

This was extremely tragic and sad, and we feel for the families.

We have returned the bodies of victims to their whanau.”

The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.

Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui has spoken out in the wake of yesterday's incident. 

She acknowledges the "tragic passing" of the two boys "with the heaviest heart," in a post on Facebook this morning.

"Together we stand in love and solidarity with the families who are in mourning for their precious loved ones," said Mayor Tunui.

"As a community I know that, where and when appropriate, we will unite to support the families."

She said the best of the community comes out in the hardest of days.

Mayor Tunui also acknowledged the first responders, including local Police and the local volunteer firefighters, "who reacted with speed and care when the alarm was raised yesterday."

She said under the authority of tangata whenua iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa, a rāhui is in place over recreational activities on the Tarawera River until April 23, 2026.

"Out of respect for the tragedy, please honour the restriction, and the privacy of the families."

Mayor Tunui adds that anyone wishing to pay their respects can do so from a distance, on the Western (town) side of the river near the Judo Club.

"Access is not permitted on the Eastern (Manukorihi) side of the river."