The family of an elderly woman who was killed by a dog in Northland yesterday said they are devastated at the loss and are calling for action to keep communities safe.
Police were called to the attack in the Northland town of Moerewa at 4:40pm on Thursday and upon arrival, officers found a person deceased.
The woman was reportedly hanging out washing when a dog came onto the property and attacked her.
"We want to acknowledge the tragic loss of a dearly loved mother, nanny, Aunty and well known whaea of the Moerewa community," the family said earlier on Friday.
"No one would have expected such a tragedy in our community."
Joey Rapana, nephew of the kuia who died, told Newshub the community is in shock.
"It's been a tragic loss within our family, within the whānau."
"They're devastated at this time."
However, he said the whānau does not lay blame on anyone for what happened.
Instead, Rapana asked the community for support.
"We look at our aunty and her daughters especially who are still going through their injuries at this stage - to look after them."
The victim's two daughters were also injured in the dog attack.
The family called for action to keep their community safe.
Reportedly, the dog was shot dead by a neighbour before officers arrived.
In an update on Friday, Inspector Riki Whiu said police will be investigating the incident on behalf of the Coroner.
"Police can confirm the dog belonged to the owners of the property and it was not 'roaming'," Insp Whiu said.
While a post-mortem examination is still due to be completed, police confirmed the deceased is a woman in her 70s.
