Kawerau river tragedy: Tributes paid to two boys killed by collapsing riverbank

Two boys killed when a riverbank collapsed at a popular Kawerau swimming spot were “active and valued” members of the local rugby club, which has paid tribute to the pair on social media.

The boys, aged 10 and 11, were playing and fishing with friends next to the Tarawera River when the bank fell, trapping them, just before 11.30am yesterday.

Police officers swam across and began digging with their bare hands before volunteer firefighters arrived to help, but despite their desperate attempts to free the boys, they were eventually found dead.

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 11, 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.

Two boys died at the Tarawera River in Kawerau. Photo / Troy Baker, Whakatane Beacon