Oranga Tamariki "devastated" after seven-year-old boy died in its care
A seven-year-old boy who died in Wairoa on Sunday was in the care of Oranga Tamariki.
The boy was found unresponsive at his home in Frasertown and despite efforts to revive him was pronounced dead at Wairoa Hospital.
Deputy chief executive services for children and families Dee McManus said the boy had been living with "approved caregivers".
"We are devastated at the passing of this young boy. Our deepest sympathies go out to the whanau and those who knew him.
"For privacy reasons and while police continue to make enquiries, we cannot provide further detail at this time."
A police spokesperson said a post-mortem was completed yesterday, and the results of this will help determine cause of death.
His death was earlier this week being treated as "unexplained".
