'My heart goes out to them': Child drowns at Kai Iwi Lakes, Northland

Tuesday, 4 January 2022

Kaipara’s mayor has offered condolences after a child drowned at Kai Iwi Lakes in Northland on Tuesday afternoon.

Paramedics were unable to revive the child after they were pulled from the water.

Police said a rescue chopper was sent to the scene shortly after 2pm and the child was found unresponsive.

“Despite the best efforts of members of the public and then paramedics performing CPR, the child has sadly died,” a police spokesman said.

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The death will be referred to the Coroner.

The lakes are a popular tourist destination but are slightly remote, about 30 minutes drive north of Dargaville.

Kaipara District Council manages two campgrounds and the reserve around the three lakes – Lake Taharoa, Lake Kaiiwi and Lake Waikere.

Mayor Dr Jason Smith said the spot has been very popular this summer, with the campgrounds being fully booked and up to 2000 people visiting each day.

The drowning was very tragic, with council staff also trying to do all that they could, he said.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young person. I’m very sad,” Smith said.

“At this point, I don’t have the detail about whether this tragic accident was with a campground person or a day visitor, who can come from anywhere because the lakes are so beautiful, so rare and special.”

The death adds to a summer where there have now been 23 confirmed drownings since the start of December, including a person drowning at Wenderholm, north Auckland, also on Tuesday.

Smith said New Zealand's “dreadful” drowning rate was shocking.

“Water safety is of great importance to everyone, and it comes into sharp focus at this time of year and with tragic events like this one.”