By 3 News online staff
The 10-year-old boy shot dead on Tuesday in East Cape has been named as Patrick Brass.
Police say his death could have been prevented if the firearm involved had been locked away.
The boy died on Tuesday following an incident involving a firearm in Waikura Valley and it is believed he was with two teenagers.
The local school principal says the boy comes from a local shearing family and was at Te Kumi station.
The police are investigating to find out what happened.
“What has been established is that had the firearm at the centre of the investigation been secured correctly then this tragedy would certainly have been preventable,” Tairawhiti police detective senior sergeant Craig Scott says.
A forensic post mortem will be carried out in Palmerston North tomorrow to determine the cause of death.
The police want to remind people to secure firearms and ammunition correctly according to the Arms Act.
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council chief executive Darryl Carpenter says a firearm must not be put in a place where a child can access it.
“By law, all firearms and ammunition should be stored separately, out of the reach of children, out of view and in a secure room, rack or cabinet approved by a police arms officer.”
Mr Carpenter says in rural areas where many people have firearms, it is essential to educate children about firearms safety.
“Children should be taught not to touch a firearm without a licensed adult present, and if children find a firearm that they should seek the assistance of an adult.”
This is the second fatal firearms incident involving children that the local police have investigated in the last three years.
3 News