Kiwi parents mourning after boy flung from carnival ride in Australia dies

A boy who died on Friday after being flung from a carnival ride in Australia was the son of Kiwi parents.

Six-year-old Eugene Mahauariki from Dromana on the outskirts of Melbourne fell from the Cha-Cha ride at the Rye Easter Carnival on Easter Monday, after the carnival had been closed to the public.

He was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital with head injuries and died on Friday.

Father Stacey Mahauariki, whose Facebook page says he is from Palmerston North, and mother Tammy White, whose page says she is from Raetihi, farewelled their "beautiful son" in a statement.

"While our hearts are broken, it is important to us that Eugene is remembered as we knew and loved him," they said.

"Eugene was a happy, kind and caring boy and he loved nothing more than to dance. Eugene was loved by so many people and he brought us, his brother and four sisters, extended family, friends and community so much joy and happiness in his short life."

He loved nothing more than playing with his siblings and dogs, they said.

"We could not have been more proud of him and cannot imagine our world without him."

The family have asked for privacy.

Tributes are pouring in online for Eugene.

Steph Randall said the boy was a "beautiful little man" while Alikki Kostakakis was "completely numb and lost for words".

"[Eugene] was and always will be an amazing little man. God took him too soon," she said.

WorkSafe Victoria said last week it was investigating the incident, including whether height requirements for all riders had been followed.

Anyone on the spinning amusement ride should be over 130cm, according to the Wittingslow Amusements website.

Initial inquiries indicate the ride may have been used by carnival workers and their families after the carnival had closed, WorkSafe said.

In a statement, the carnival operator said: "Our hearts and sincerest thoughts remain firmly with his family at this sad time, as well as their friends and extended family here and in New Zealand.

"We grieve with them and we are doing everything we can to ensure everyone gets the support they need. The entire Wittingslow family and all of our staff are devastated by what occurred last week."