Two "active and valued" young members of the Kawerau community are being mourned following their deaths at the Tarawera River yesterday.
Police said a group of children had been fishing and playing on the northern side of the Tarawera River near Boyce Park when a bank collapsed around 11.30am.
Emergency services including police, St John, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to the scene, but sadly "two local Kawerau boys - aged 10 and 12 - were located deceased".
In a post to social media, Kawerau JAB Rugby said the boys attended local schools, and were "active and valued members" of the community.
"We extend our deepest aroha and awhi to their whanau at this incredible difficult time," the club said online.
"Hold your tamaiti close and keep them near.
Two children dead after becoming stuck under a river bank in Bay of Plenty - watch on TVNZ+
"Our hearts are breaking for these boys, their whanau, and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing them."
A rāhui has also been placed on Tarawera River for one week, according to Tuwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai.
This rāhui was a customary Māori practice where a tapu was applied to temporarily restrict access to an area, resource, or activity.
It was enacted by the kaitiaki of the area to allow for recovery, ensure safety, and acknowledge significant events.
"The rāhui will remain in place until April 23, 2026, and prohibits activities such as fishing, swimming, and all other recreational use of the river during this time," a spokesperson said.
Tūwharetoa extended its "sincere condolences to the whānau pani and acknowledges the efforts of all those involved in the recovery operation".
"We ask the wider community to respect and uphold the rāhui and associated cultural protocols. These practices are an important part of the healing process for both the whānau and the environment.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving whānau, and we extend our aroha to them during this difficult time."
Kawerau District Council acknowledged their deaths, saying: "Together we stand in love and solidarity with the families who are in mourning for their precious loved ones."
Mayor Faylene Tunui said in a statement that "as a community I know that, where and when appropriate, we will unite to support the families".
"In these hardest of days we see the best of our community," she said.
"Out of respect for the tragedy, please honour the restriction, and the privacy of the families."
The deaths have been referred to the coroner.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks said said that after being alerted, two officers swam across the river after arriving at the scene and "attempted to locate and dig for the boys with their bare hands".
"They were soon joined by volunteer fire brigade staff who roped down the cliff area with equipment."
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