7:00am Friday, 17 April 2026 

- Message from Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui 

It is with the heaviest heart that I acknowledge the tragic passing of the two young people of our community.

Together we stand in love and solidarity with the families who are in mourning for their precious loved ones.

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.  

I also acknowledge the first responders, including local Police and the local volunteer firefighters, who reacted with speed and care when the alarm was raised yesterday.

Under the authority of tangata whenua iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa, there is now a rāhui (restriction on access or use) in place over recreational activities on the Tarawera River until 23 April 2026.  

Out of respect for the tragedy, please honour the restriction, and the privacy of the families.   

Rest In Love.

Her Worship Mayor Faylene Tunui   

*People wishing to pay their respects could do so from a distance, on the Western (or Town side) of the Tarawera River near the Judo Club. Access is not permitted on the Eastern (Manukorihi) side of the river.

5.45pm update Thursday 16 April 2026

Her Worship Mayor Faylene Tunui extends her love and condolences on behalf of community 

It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the tragic passing of two young people in our community today. 

As a community we acknowledge the devastating loss of these two young people, and extend our deepest sympathies to both families and loved ones.  

This is every parent’s worst nightmare.

Our community will offer aroha (love) and tautoko (support) to the families in any way they can. 

At this tragic time, I ask that the community also allows NZ Police and other services the space they need to undertake their work.  

He mihi aroha (acknowledgements of love).   

-                  Mayor Kahika Faylene Tunui 

on behalf of the Kawerau District Council and the Kawerau Community 

also a notice the NZ Police are asking people to stay away from the site of the incident for the rāhui, safety reasons and out of respect for the familiies.

1.30pm Thursday, 16 April 2026 

An incident occured 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. 

We as a community will be updated in due course. 

- Kawerau District Council 

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For media queries please contact Council on 07 306 9009