Police have named the child who drowned in the ocean near Napier's Marine Parade on Friday.
Police said he was five year-old Te Karauna Waihirere Manawa Tua Tahi o Te Ora Tamaiti Te Rangi Issac Jerricoh Warren-Whakamoe of Ahuriri.
Police say their thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family, who have requested privacy at this difficult time.
Police will continue to make enquiries on behalf of the coroner to establish how the tragedy occurred and are focused on supporting the family.
Emergency services were called at about 3.30pm on Friday after receiving a report a child was in difficulty in the sea off Marine Parade.
Police say despite the efforts of four officers and a member of the public who went into the water, the child has tragically died.
The member of the public was taken to the hospital for assessment.
As the matter has been referred to the Coroner, Police are unable to comment further regarding the cause of death.
