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The heart-wrenching incident in the Bay of Plenty has left the community mourning the loss of two young boys, Luti Maui Mafi and Pauly Lloyd. The boys, aged 10 and 11, tragically lost their lives when a riverbank collapsed while they were enjoying a day of fishing and playing with friends at the Tarawera River in Kawerau.
Both families and friends are grieving deeply, remembering Luti Mafi as a cherished son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. His family described him as someone who had touched many lives in his brief time on Earth, highlighting the depth of their loss in a heartfelt Facebook post.
In response to the tragedy, Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai has imposed a cultural rāhui on the Tarawera River. This restriction, meant to honor the deceased and the grieving process, will last until April 23, 2026, and prohibits activities such as fishing, swimming, and other recreational uses of the river.
Community members wishing to pay their respects are encouraged to do so from a distance on the western side of the Tarawera River, near the Judo Club. This gesture allows people to honor the memory of the boys while respecting the rāhui.
“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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