Child dies in a water-related incident near Murupara

Wednesday, 5 January 2022

A child has died in a water-related incident near Murupara in Te Urewera on Wednesday adding to the alarming number of water-related fatalities this summer.

The incident happened at the Mangamate Waterfall, on the Whirinaki River – inland from Minginui.

Emergency crews and a helicopter attended after receiving a report just before 2.45pm.

The emergency teams tried to resuscitate the child but they died at the scene.

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In a statement, police said they extend their condolences to whānau and loved ones of the child.

They are now making inquiries on behalf of the coroner.

There have been about 30 drownings in New Zealand since summer began in December making it one of the deadliest summers on record so far.

And at least 15 people have drowned over the Christmas – New Year period across the country.

During 2020 and 2021 there were 74 drownings over the course of each year.