The two children who died in the Tarawera River tragedy in the Bay of Plenty were local boys aged 10 and 11.<\/p>\n
Emergency services were called to the river, near Kawerau\u2019s Boyce Park, about 11.30am on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\u201cA 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,\u201d Eastern Bay of Plenty Police area commander Phil Gillbanks said in an update.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo police officers on arrival swam across the river and attempted to locate and dig for the boys with their bare hands.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was extremely tragic and sad, and we feel for the families,\u201d said Gillbanks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have returned the bodies of victims to their wh\u0101nau.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Kawerau resident told the\u00a0Herald\u00a0the area was known for being a popular swimming spot and was often used by local children.<\/p>\n
The incident happened in the second week of the school holidays.<\/p>\n
The area was taped off and about 35 people gathered just beyond the cordon after news of the incident broke.<\/p>\n
Some embraced while others looked on quietly towards the riverbank. One young girl was in tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot good, bro,\u201d some onlookers were heard saying, as the situation unfolded.<\/p>\n
A witness, who would not be named, earlier said the rescue helicopter had left the scene and a hearse had arrived.<\/p>\n
Emergency response<\/p>\n
Fire and Emergency New Zealand sent two crews from Kawerau and two from Edgecumbe, \u201capproximately 15 firefighters\u201d.<\/p>\n
Hato Hone St John sent an ambulance, first response unit, operations manager, rapid response unit and rescue helicopter.<\/p>\n
Emergency ambulance crews assessed three people in a minor condition at the scene.<\/p>\n
Rescue workers from Fire and Emergency and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand were seen leaving the scene earlier this afternoon.<\/p>\n
Emergency services at the scene in Kawerau. Photo \/ Troy Baker, Whakatane Beacon<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFour 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,\u201d Gibbons-Campbell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur condolences to the family at this time,\u201d Gibbons-Campbell said.<\/p>\n
Motu River Jet owner-operator Mark Looney said he was called to the scene for the use of the company\u2019s boat.<\/p>\n
He said he remained there on standby because an IRB was already involved.<\/p>\n
Kur\u016btia Tanoa, who lives on Domett St, first heard a rescue helicopter about 11.30am.<\/p>\n
Emergency services were notified of two people having gone into the Tarawera River near Boyce Park and not returning. Photo \/ Annabel Reid<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce you hear a chopper flying in, you know something serious has gone down here in Kawerau,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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 \u201ccollapsed\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s sad,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Tanoa said he knew the boys involved and many of those waiting nearby for updates.<\/p>\n
The two boys died after reportedly becoming stuck under the Tarawera River bank. Photo \/ Google Earth<\/p>\n
\u201cThese kids \u2026 they all play rugby \u2026 they all train together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier, a woman who works near the Tarawera River on Manukorihi Drive said people had been told to stay inside.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got police down the street, and they have blocked the street.\u201d<\/p>\n
The woman, who did not want to be named, said there were two fire engines, five police cars and three ambulances in the area.<\/p>\n
Dozens of people gather near the Tarawera River site where two boys died.\u00a0Photo \/ Annabel Reid<\/p>\n
Tributes<\/p>\n
The Kawerau junior rugby club said it was a \u201cprivilege\u201d to know the boys and the community\u2019s hearts were breaking.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile Kawerau\u2019s mayor says the town is standing in \u201clove and solidarity\u201d with their families.<\/p>\n
Mayor Faylene Tunui said in a social media post this morning it was \u201cwith the heaviest heart\u201d that she acknowledged the boys\u2019 tragic passing.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether we stand in love and solidarity with the families who are in mourning for their precious loved ones,\u201d Tunui wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
She thanked police and firefighters who reacted \u201cwith speed and care\u201d when the alarm was raised.<\/p>\n
Police have returned the bodies of the victims to their wh\u0101nau and their deaths have been referred to the coroner.<\/p>\n
Three others who were at the scene were also treated yesterday by ambulance staff.<\/p>\n
Local iwi Ng\u0101ti T\u016bwharetoa has placed a r\u0101hui on the river until April 23. Access is also not allowed on the eastern side of the river.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Kawerau junior rugby posted a tribute yesterday, saying two JAB tamaiti had been lost in a tragic accident.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth boys lived in Kawerau and attended our local schools. They, along with their wh\u0101nau were active and valued members of our JAB community.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
\u201cWe extend our deepest aroha and awhi to their whanau at this incredibly difficult time,\u201d the post read.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur hearts are breaking for these boys, their wh\u0101nau, and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yesterday afternoon, the area was taped off and about 35 people gathered just beyond the cordon after news of the incident broke.<\/p>\n
Some embraced while others looked on quietly towards the riverbank. One young girl was in tears.<\/p>\n
A r\u0101hui has been placed on the Tarawera River after two boys were killed when a riverbank collapsed on Thursday.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Facebook, Iwi T\u016bwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai said the r\u0101hui 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cT\u016bwharetoa extends its sincere condolences to the wh\u0101nau pani and acknowledges the efforts of all those involved in the recovery operation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ask the wider community to respect and uphold the r\u0101hui and associated cultural protocols. These practices are an important part of the healing process for both the wh\u0101nau and the environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with the grieving wh\u0101nau, and we extend our aroha to them during this difficult time. \u201c<\/p>\n
A r\u0101hui is a customary M\u0101ori 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.<\/p>\n
The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.<\/p>\n
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