Two people have died after a water-related incident near the Waikato township of Kawerau today.
The mayor confirmed the victims were children.
Police acting eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Phil Gillbanks said the incident occurred in the Tarawera River near Boyce Park.
Gillbanks said emergency services were called to the scene at about 11.30am after a report of a party becoming stuck under a bank.
"Sadly, two people were located deceased a short time later."
Two children dead after becoming stuck under a river bank in Bay of Plenty - Watch on TVNZ+
Hato Hone St John confirmed officers also assessed three people in a minor condition at the scene.
An ambulance, a First Response Unit, two operations managers, a rapid response unit were scrambled to the scene near Manukorihi Dr. A helicopter was also sent.
Manukorihi Dr is on the north-eastern edge of Kawerau, in an industrial precinct separated from the township by the Tarawera River.
In a post to Facebook, Kawerau District Council said: "An incident occurred today in our community."
"We understand the New Zealand Police, Fire Emergency New Zealand and St John are at the scene.
"We ask that Kawerau allow these emergency services to do their mahi."
The council added the community will be updated "in due course".
A nearby business told 1News people had gathered at Boyce Park.
'Every parent’s worst nightmare'
A large crowd gathered at the scene in the moments after the news broke that two people were missing, where they remained throughout the day.
Residents who spoke to 1News said they were “heartbroken and devastated” by today’s events. They said the river was a popular spot, particularly during the school holidays.
In a statement, Kawerau mayor Faylene Tunui said it was “with a heavy heart I acknowledge the tragic passing of two young people in our community today”.
Tunui extended her “deepest sympathies to both families and loved ones”, adding that it was “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
SHARE ME