Key Takeaways
- Two Kawerau boys, Luti Maui Mafi (11) and Pauly Lloyd (10), died when a section of the Tarawera River bank collapsed while they were fishing and playing with friends.
- Families, schools, and local organizations expressed deep grief, highlighting the boys’ bright spirits, kindness, and active roles in the community.
- Emergency services launched an immediate rescue, but the boys were found deceased; police officers attempted a manual rescue with bare hands.
- Local iwi Tūwharetoa placed a cultural rāhui on the river until 23 April 2026, prohibiting fishing, swimming, and other recreational use as a mark of respect.
- The Kawerau mayor and community leaders pledged solidarity with the bereaved families, and the deaths have been referred to the coroner for investigation.
Overview of the Tragedy
On the morning of the incident, a group of children were fishing and playing on the northern bank of the Tarawera River near Boyce Park in Kawerau when the riverbank suddenly gave way. The collapse trapped two boys beneath the sediment and debris. Emergency services were alerted around 11:30 a.m., and a rapid search and rescue operation commenced. Despite the efforts of police, fire personnel, and volunteers, the boys were located deceased a short time later. The victims were later identified as Luti Maui Mafi, aged 11, and Pauly Lloyd, aged 10, both local residents and students at Kawerau schools.
Family Tributes and Memories
Luti’s whānau shared a heartfelt Facebook post describing him as a treasured son, moko, nephew, cousin, and friend who brought light, laughter, and kindness to everyone he met. They emphasized that his bright spirit and gentle soul would be forever remembered and deeply missed, announcing a private service for immediate family on Saturday. Pauly’s family, though not quoted directly in the source, was similarly mourned by his school and community, underscoring the profound loss felt by both households.
School Responses and Closures
Tarawera High School confirmed that one of its students—understood to be Luti—had died, calling the loss “heartbreaking.” In response, the school closed its doors on Monday and Tuesday to allow students and staff time to grieve. Kawerau Putauaki School also confirmed the death of one of its pupils, believed to be Pauly, and announced the same two‑day closure. Both institutions expressed their condolences and pledged support to the families during this difficult time.
Community Reaction: Rugby Club and Residents
The local junior rugby club posted a message on social media identifying the boys as “active and valued members” of their JAB (junior Auckland Bay) community. The post conveyed deep aroha (love) and awhi (support) to the whānau, urging everyone to hold their children close. A nearby resident, Kurūtia Tanoa, described rushing to the river after hearing a rescue helicopter, noting that three children had been involved in the collapse but one managed to free himself. He recalled the scene of tears and emphasized the community’s shared sorrow when tamariki (children) are harmed in accidents.
Emergency Services and Rescue Efforts
Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Phil Gillbanks reported that a group of children had been fishing and playing when the bank gave way. Police officers swam across the river and attempted to dig for the trapped children with their bare hands, but the effort was unsuccessful. Fire and Emergency NZ, along with Surf Life Saving New Zealand lifeguards in an inflatable rescue boat (IRB), assisted in bringing the boys and rescue personnel back across the river to where grieving whānau awaited. Gillbanks praised the police and volunteer fire brigade staff for their relentless attempts under perilous conditions.
Eyewitness Account and Local Observations
Kurūtia Tanoa’s account highlighted the immediate chaos and distress among the children present. He reported hearing cries that a mate was stuck under the bank, prompting a rapid community response. The presence of many tears and the collective sense of sadness underscored how tightly knit the Kawerau community is, particularly when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of its youth. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment that such tragedies affect not only the immediate families but the entire locality.
Cultural Response: Rāhui and Karakia
In accordance with Māori custom, local kaumātua (elders) performed karakia (prayers) and placed a rāhui (restriction) on the Tarawera River. A statement from Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai declared that the rāhui would remain in effect until 23 April 2026, prohibiting fishing, swimming, and all other recreational activities on the river as a sign of respect and to allow the area to heal. The iwi advised that people wishing to pay respects could do so from a distance on the western (town) side of the river, while access to the eastern (Manukorihi) side was restricted.
Official Statements and Ongoing Procedures
Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui acknowledged the deaths with “the heaviest heart” in a Facebook post, expressing love and solidarity with the mourning families and promising community support where appropriate. She concluded with “Rest In Love,” reinforcing the communal desire to honor the boys’ memories. The deaths have been referred to the coroner for a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bank collapse. As the community processes this loss, the combined efforts of families, schools, emergency services, cultural leaders, and local government illustrate a unified response aimed at healing and preventing future tragedies.