The two youths who died in the Tarawera River tragedy were local boys aged 10 and 12.
Emergency services were called to the river, near Kawerau’s Boyce Park, about 11.30am.
“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 whanau.”
A Kawerau resident told the Herald the area was known for being a popular swimming spot and was frequently used by local children.
The incident happened in the second week of the school holidays.
This 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.
“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.
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.
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 assisting with the operation,” Gibbons-Campbell said.
He said the team was still there at the moment, but was about to pack up and return to Tauranga soon.
“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 as an IRB was already involved.
Kurūtia Tanoa, who lives on Domett St, first heard a rescue helicopter about 11.30am.
“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 youths involved and many of those waiting nearby for updates.
“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.
“We have no idea what is going on. We’ve just been told to stay in our buildings.”
She said the police were stopping people from going out on the street.
In a social media post just before 3pm, Kawerau District Council asked residents to allow emergency services “to do their mahi”.
“An incident occurred today in our community. We understand the New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and St John are at the scene.
“We ask that Kawerau allow these emergency services to do their mahi.
“We as a community will be updated in due course.”
The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.