Photo: RNZ
One of the children critically injured on Aotea / Great Barrier Island when a sand dune collapsed has died.
Police confirmed Levi Sonchai Golaboski's death after his father, Logan, said he would be taken off life support on Thursday.
The two boys were digging tunnels during a family picnic at Medlands Beach on Sunday when the sand caved in.
Leanne Eloff, the principal at Kaitoke School Aotea which the 12-year-old attended, said they are heartbroken.
Eloff said there were very few words that could describe what the school community was feeling and going through.
The school will be closed on Tuesday, when a service is being held for Levi.
Vicky Kyan who lives by Medlands Beach said everyone on the island was in shock.
"Here we're one big family and our children are everybody's children.
"We're a very tight-knit community and this tragedy has rocked all of us. We are all feeling it deeply."
Police said the other child taken to Starship Hospital remains in a critical condition.
"Police would like to extend our deep condolences to their family and friends at this very difficult time.
"Police will conduct inquiries on behalf of the coroner, who will release their finding in due course."