Lost Two-Year-Old Boy Returned to Whānau

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 8:23 AM

By Aimee Stanton

Whakatāne police said a woman has handed in a two-year-old boy to the station, found wandering the McDonalds car park around 7:30am this morning.

Police said the boy has been found and returned to his whānau safely.

We’re committed to keeping the Eastern Bay informed with accurate, timely coverage.
Have a news tip or story idea? Email news@1xx.co.nz.

More from Regional News

Bronze Plaque Stolen From Whakatāne Kiwi Trust’s Wandering Trail

The Whakatāne Kiwi Trust says it is reconsidering the future of its popular Wandering Trail after another act of vandalism saw a bronze plaque stolen from one of its kiwi sculptures.
Whakatāne Waste Fees to Rise 10% as Council Confirms Annual Charges

Whakatāne District residents will face higher waste management costs from July next year, with fees at refuse and recycling centres set to rise by 10% following increased transport costs linked to changes in landfill disposal.
Victoria Cross Recipient Willie Apiata to Speak on Resilience and Wellbeing in Eastern Bay

New Zealand's only living Victoria Cross recipient, Willie Apiata, will return to his Eastern Bay roots next month to speak with local rural communities about resilience, wellbeing and looking after one another.
Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement Moves Forward, Asbestos Removal Begins in July

Work to remove the council-owned buildings on the corner of The Strand and Quay Street will begin soon as part of the wider Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement Project.