The two children who were killed when a riverbank collapsed in the Bay of Plenty have been identified as local boys Luti Maui Mafi and Pauly Lloyd.

The pair, aged 10 and 11, died after becoming trapped when the bank gave way at the Tarawera River in Kawerau yesterday, during what had been a day of fishing and playing with friends.

In a Facebook post, the whānau (family) of Luti Mafi, 11, said he was a treasured and much-loved son, moko (young child), nephew, cousin and friend “to many he touched in his short life”.

Luti Maui Mafi, 11, was one of the boys who tragically died in Kawerau. (Stuff)

“He brought light, laughter and kindness into the lives of all who knew him.

“His bright spirit and gentle soul will be forever remembered and deeply missed.”

The whānau said a service would be held for immediate family on Saturday.

“Forever and always in our hearts.”

Tarawera High School in Kawerau said the death of one its students, who Stuff understands to be Luti, was “a heartbreaking loss” and that the school would close on Monday and Tuesday.

Kawerau Putauaki School also confirmed one of their students, who Stuff understands to be Pauly, 10, had died.

The school said it too would be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Last night, a local junior rugby club shared a message identifying the boys and mourning the loss of two of its young members, describing them as “active and valued members” of their community.

“Kia ora whanau, for those of you who are unaware, today we lost two of our JAB tamaiti in a tragic accident,” the post read.

“Both boys lived in Kawerau and attended our local schools. They, along with their whanau were active and valued members of our JAB community.

“We extend our deepest aroha and awhi to their whanau at this incredible difficult time. Hold your tamaiti close and keep them near.

“Our hearts are breaking for these boys, their whanau, and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.

“Moe mai ra korua e nga tama. Kia okioki i te rangimarie.”

Emergency services were called to the Tarawera River near Boyce Park about 11.30am (9.30am AEST) yesterday.

Police said a group of children had been fishing and playing on the northern side of the river when the bank gave way.

A rescue operation was launched, with police and Fire and Emergency NZ working to locate two of the boys who had become trapped.

“Sadly, two people were located deceased a short time later,” Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Phil Gillbanks said.

Gillbanks said two police officers had swam across the river and attempted to dig for the children with their bare hands, but they could not be saved.

Emergency services at the scene by the Tarawera River. (Stuff/Supplied/News Whakatāne)

Local resident Kurūtia Tanoa said he rushed to the river after hearing a rescue helicopter.

“Our kids were in distress telling me their mate is stuck under the bank,” he said.

Tanoa said three children were involved in the collapse, but one managed to free himself.

“Parents of the deceased turned up and there was a lot of tears going around. We as a community are always saddened when our tamariki are involved in an accident,” he said.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand lifeguards in an IRB assisted emergency services to bring the boys and rescue personnel back across the river, where they were met by grieving whānau.

“I am extremely proud of the two police staff and the local volunteer fire brigade staff who did everything they could to locate the victims in perilous circumstances,” Gillbanks said.

Local kaumātua (Maori elders) have performed karakia (prayers) and placed a rāhui (restriction) on the Tarawera River.

The Tarawera River near Boyce Park in Kawerau, Bay of Plenty. (Google Maps)

“Tūwharetoa has placed a cultural rāhui on the Tarawera River following the tragic incident earlier today,” a statement from Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai said.

“The rāhui will remain in place until the 23 April 2026, and prohibits activities such as fishing, swimming, and all other recreational use of the river during this time.”

People wishing to pay respects could do so from a distance, on the western (town side) of the Tarawera River near the Judo Club, she said.

Access was not permitted on the Eastern (Manukorihi side) side of the river.

Kawerau mayor Faylene Tunui acknowledged the deaths of the children with “the heaviest heart” via a post on the Kawerau District Council Facebook page today.

“Together we stand in love and solidarity with the families who are in mourning for their precious loved ones.”

Tunui said the community would unite to support the families “where and when appropriate”.

“In these hardest of days we see the best of our community. Rest In Love.”

The deaths of the boys were referred to the coroner.

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