Source: Radio New Zealand
Westshore Beach, Napier
Police are investigating the “water-related” death of a five-year-old boy in Napier, after recovering his body early Friday morning.
The boy went missing around the Westshore area between 6pm and 8.30pm on Thursday. Police were notified that a body was seen in the water off The Esplanade, Westshore, at about 8.25pm and it was located by emergency services at 1.30am Friday.
A formal identification process was underway and the death will be referred to the coroner.
“Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the Westshore area, in particular Charles and Gardiner Streets, and the Ferguson Avenue Surf Life Saving Club area, who saw an unattended child on Thursday night,” said Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley of Hawke’s Bay Crime Squad.
Anyone with CCTV footage or any other information can contact police on 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, and use the reference number 260206/9567. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/police-launch-investigation-into-water-related-napier-death/