Family distraught after 4-year-old boy with ‘heart full of cuteness’ killed in dog attack

Saturday, 29 March 2025

The family of a 4-year-old boy who was killed in dog attack in Bay of Plenty has described him as a “a heart full of cuteness”.

Timothy Tu’uaki Rolleston-Bryan was critically injured during the incident in the Western Bay of Plenty suburb of Katikati about 2.50pm on Friday.

He was rushed to Katikati Medical Centre, where he died.

Another person received moderate injuries and remained in Tauranga Hospital as of Saturday morning, police said.

Three dogs have been surrendered to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council and are secure at Te Puke Animal Shelter.

A relative, who didn’t want to be named, said the family was “devastated” by Timothy’s death.

“I don’t know how the incident happened but we were called to a medical centre and then he died.

“We just made statements with the police and they have taken the dog in custody.”

The family had not long celebrated Timothy’s fourth birthday, the family member said.

A whānau spokesperson paid tribute to the little boy on Facebook.

“It is with broken hearts and shock we announce the tragic passing of our little Timoti.

“He had a little mischief in his smile, a little wild in his eyes, but a heart full of cuteness.

“He could ride a bike at the age of one, swim and dive like he was 21.”

Tuapiro Marae Komiti acknowledged the death on social media.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected by the loss. At this time our priority will be to support our whānau through this hard time.”

Police are making enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council general manager regulatory services Alison Curtis said their animal services team was contacted by police to urgently assist with the dog attack.

“The owner has signed the dogs over to council custody.”