Child's death in Gore oxidation pond leads council to urgently review security and fencing

Gore sewage treatment site where a three-year-old drowned last night. Photo / Gore Ensign

An urgent review has begun after a missing 3-year-old boy was found unresponsive in a wastewater pond owned by the Gore District Council.

Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said he offered his deepest sympathy to the family of the child who drowned last night in the Gore oxidation ponds.

"This is an absolute tragedy and will be felt by many in our small, close knit community," he said.

"This is every parent's nightmare and I can't even begin to understand how the parents of the family are feeling about this."

Hicks confirmed the boy had died at a council owned pond.

Chief executive Stephen Parry said the council has instigated an urgent review of security and fencing at the ponds.

"The relevant authorities have been notified and we will work closely with them."

A Gore District Council spokeswoman said the two large ponds, which are between Grasslands Rd and the Mataura River, are fenced.

Police were alerted that the child was missing at 9.30pm last night.

At that stage family, friends and neighbours had already begun searching for the boy.

Police and LandSAR started a land search in the area and located the young boy unresponsive in a pond about 11.15pm.

He was unable to be resuscitated.

Police have thanked those volunteers and neighbours who assisted in the search.

"Our condolences are with the family who have asked for privacy at this time," police said.

Police would be making inquiries today on behalf of the Coroner.

Additional reporting: Otago Daily Times