A five-year-old child has been found dead in the Hutt River north of Wellington after being reported missing earlier this evening, police say.
The Hutt River. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton
An extensive search was carried out in the area of Ngāti Tama Park, Upper Hutt, after the boy was reported missing at 5.40pm.
He was found at 9.15pm.
"This is an absolutely tragic outcome and our thoughts are with the boy's whānau," police said in a statement.
"Police would like to thank all those who assisted in the search, which included many members of our community."