Shock, grief at boy's death

The Kahutara community in South Wairarapa is grieving and in shock after the death of a 10-year-old boy on a farm earlier this week.

Shane William White was killed in a quad bike accident at a Kahutara Rd property on Wednesday morning.

He was found a short time later by his father and CPR attempts failed to revive him.

Wairarapa Police Response Manager Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Rackliff said police were continuing their enquiries into Shane's tragic death on behalf of the coroner.

"Police and Victim Support are continuing to provide assistance to Shane's family at this sad time," Mr Rackliff said.

As the matter is before the coroner, police would not make any further comment.

An online tribute to Shane said he was "a loved and respected 'team member' of Kahutara School" and "fondly remembered by the pupils, staff and school families".

He was the son of Scott and Jacqui, brother of Sophie and Lexie, and grandson, nephew, and cousin to his family in New Zealand and the UK.

A tribute page has also been set up on Facebook, where Shane's sister Sophie White posted: "Miss you terribly bro. Mum and dad have just gone to get you. I can't imagine my life without you I really can't there is a huge gap missing. [ ...] I just want you to come back home Shane. Love you forever and ever xx"

South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples said the "extremely close" community would be affected by the incident.

"Just knowing what a close-knit community Kahutara is, I imagine that they will all be in shock and grieving badly," she said.

"It's bad enough when an adult loses their life but when a child does, it's extreme.

"They're just starting out with their life's journey and it's so sad.

"My heart absolutely goes out to the family."

Tim Wilson, of Just-Ice consultants, which specialise in agricultural health and safety, said the death was "an accident that shouldn't have happened".

"The guidelines for quad bike use are don't carry passengers, no one under the age of 16 is to ride and always wear a helmet and don't ride on the road," said the Wairarapa-based man.

"With the appropriate systems and practices in place people can ride quad bikes and operate them safely, provided they've got the appropriate level of skill and training."

Federated Farmers Wairarapa provincial president Jamie Falloon encouraged the safe use of quad bikes, and said people should drive to their ability and in the appropriate conditions.