The two children who died in the Tarawera River tragedy in the Bay of Plenty were local boys aged 10 and 11.
Emergency services were called to the river, near Kawerau’s Boyce Park, about 11.30am on Thursday.
“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,” Eastern Bay of Plenty Police area commander Phil Gillbanks said in an update.
“Two police officers on arrival swam across the river and attempted to locate and dig for the boys with their bare hands.”
They were joined by volunteer fire brigade staff who roped down the cliff area with equipment, but despite their efforts the two boys were found dead a short time later.
“This was extremely tragic and sad, and we feel for the families,” said Gillbanks.
“We have returned the bodies of victims to their whānau.”
A Kawerau resident told the Herald the area was known for being a popular swimming spot and was often used by local children.
The incident happened in the second week of the school holidays.
The area was taped off and about 35 people gathered just beyond the cordon after news of the incident broke.
Some embraced while others looked on quietly towards the riverbank. One young girl was in tears.
“Not good, bro,” some onlookers were heard saying, as the situation unfolded.
A witness, who would not be named, earlier said the rescue helicopter had left the scene and a hearse had arrived.
Emergency response
Fire and Emergency New Zealand sent two crews from Kawerau and two from Edgecumbe, “approximately 15 firefighters”.
Hato Hone St John sent an ambulance, first response unit, operations manager, rapid response unit and rescue helicopter.
Emergency ambulance crews assessed three people in a minor condition at the scene.
Rescue workers from Fire and Emergency and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand were seen leaving the scene earlier this afternoon.
Emergency services at the scene in Kawerau. Photo / Troy Baker, Whakatane Beacon
Surf Lifesaving NZ eastern region manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell said a team from the Western Bay of Plenty Search and Rescue Squad assisted police and Fire and Emergency with the operation.
“Four people from the SAR squad, two of them are swift water trained. They have been down there with an IRB [inflatable rescue boat] assisting with the operation,” Gibbons-Campbell said.
“Our condolences to the family at this time,” Gibbons-Campbell said.
Motu River Jet owner-operator Mark Looney said he was called to the scene for the use of the company’s boat.
He said he remained there on standby because an IRB was already involved.
Kurūtia Tanoa, who lives on Domett St, first heard a rescue helicopter about 11.30am.
Emergency services were notified of two people having gone into the Tarawera River near Boyce Park and not returning. Photo / Annabel Reid
“Once you hear a chopper flying in, you know something serious has gone down here in Kawerau,” he said.
Tanoa said he rushed to the Tarawera River, where he was told the cliff on the other side of a swimming spot frequently used by local children had “collapsed”.
“It’s sad,” he said.
Tanoa said he knew the boys involved and many of those waiting nearby for updates.
The two boys died after reportedly becoming stuck under the Tarawera River bank. Photo / Google Earth
“These kids … they all play rugby … they all train together.”
Earlier, a woman who works near the Tarawera River on Manukorihi Drive said people had been told to stay inside.
“We’ve got police down the street, and they have blocked the street.”
The woman, who did not want to be named, said there were two fire engines, five police cars and three ambulances in the area.
Dozens of people gather near the Tarawera River site where two boys died. Photo / Annabel Reid
Tributes
The Kawerau junior rugby club said it was a “privilege” to know the boys and the community’s hearts were breaking.
Meanwhile Kawerau’s mayor says the town is standing in “love and solidarity” with their families.
Mayor Faylene Tunui said in a social media post this morning it was “with the heaviest heart” that she acknowledged the boys’ tragic passing.
“Together we stand in love and solidarity with the families who are in mourning for their precious loved ones,” Tunui wrote.
“As a community I know that, where and when appropriate, we will unite to support the families. In these hardest of days we see the best of our community.”
She thanked police and firefighters who reacted “with speed and care” when the alarm was raised.
Police have returned the bodies of the victims to their whānau and their deaths have been referred to the coroner.
Three others who were at the scene were also treated yesterday by ambulance staff.
Local iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa has placed a rāhui on the river until April 23. Access is also not allowed on the eastern side of the river.
People who wished to pay their respects could do so from a distance, on the town side of the river near the judo club, Tunui said.
Kawerau junior rugby posted a tribute yesterday, saying two JAB tamaiti had been lost in a tragic accident.
“Both boys lived in Kawerau and attended our local schools. They, along with their whānau were active and valued members of our JAB community.”
The two boys, aged 10 and 12, were playing and fishing with friends at a popular swimming spot when the bank collapsed. Photo / Hannah Filmer
“We extend our deepest aroha and awhi to their whanau at this incredibly difficult time,” the post read.
“Our hearts are breaking for these boys, their whānau, and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.”
Yesterday afternoon, the area was taped off and about 35 people gathered just beyond the cordon after news of the incident broke.
Some embraced while others looked on quietly towards the riverbank. One young girl was in tears.
A rāhui has been placed on the Tarawera River after two boys were killed when a riverbank collapsed on Thursday.
In a statement on Facebook, Iwi Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai said the rāhui would remain in place until April 23, and prohibits activities such as fishing, swimming, and all other recreational use of the river during this time.
“Tūwharetoa extends its sincere condolences to the whānau pani and acknowledges the efforts of all those involved in the recovery operation.
“We ask the wider community to respect and uphold the rāhui and associated cultural protocols. These practices are an important part of the healing process for both the whānau and the environment.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving whānau, and we extend our aroha to them during this difficult time. “
A rāhui is a customary Māori practice where a tapu is applied to temporarily restrict access to an area, resource, or activity. It is enacted by the kaitiaki of the area to allow for recovery, ensure safety, and acknowledge significant events.
The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.