Hastings fire victim named

The 10-year-old boy who died following a fatal fire in Hastings on Monday has been named.

He was Ariki River Baden Mau of Camberley, Hastings.

He attended Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga and Peter Kireka known as Matua Pete, his teacher, expressed his condolences last night.

Mr Kireka had taught the Ariki for the past two years and said he was a "budding" and "inquisitive" student, who always had something to say.

"He was very passionate about what he believed was right and was the kind of person who held an opinion. He would make you laugh and he was a boy fully involved with the kura."

Mr Kireka said Ariki shared a love for kapa haka and was in the group who was heading to Gisborne to represent Ngati Kahungunu at the Te Mana Kuratahi National Primary School Kapahaka Competition in November.

He was a popular boy in the school community and Mr Kireka said he was your typical Kiwi boy.

"He had lots of mates and everyone knew who he was. He was that kind of person."

Police said their thoughts were with Ariki's whanau and friends at this tragic time and support was being provided.

The investigation into the fire was ongoing.