Police Dig With Bare Hands to Find Boys Near Boyce Park

Two local children died on April 16, 2026, after a riverbank collapsed in the Tarawera River near Boyce Park in Kawerau.

The boys, aged 10 and 12, had been fishing and playing on the northern side of the river when the bank suddenly gave way, trapping them beneath the earth.

Emergency services received alerts to the scene at approximately 11:30 a.m. On April 16, 2026, following reports that a party of children had become stuck under the bank.

Upon arriving at the scene, two police officers swam across the river and attempted to locate and dig for the boys using their bare hands in a desperate effort to reach them quickly.

Staff from the local volunteer fire brigade subsequently joined the operation, utilizing ropes and specialized equipment to navigate the cliff area.

Despite the exhaustive efforts of the first responders, both children were found deceased.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks, the acting Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander, noted that the responding teams operated under perilous circumstances.

This was extremely tragic and sad and we feel for the families.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks

Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui expressed her condolences to the grieving families, describing the incident as every family’s worst nightmare.

In accordance with local customs, kaumatua have performed karakia. A rahui, a traditional Māori prohibition or restriction, has been placed on the Tarawera River to respect the deceased and the mourning process, ensuring the area remains undisturbed.

An employee of Rafting Adventure Tarawera, who assisted at the scene, stated that the area by Boyce Park is a popular swimming spot for children and features a tree and a rope swing.

Police have confirmed that the deaths will be referred to the Coroner.