A coroner has released his report into a tragic double drowning in Wairoa.
Twenty two-year-old Sage Smith and 7-year-old Kustom Blandford were swept out to sea after getting caught in a large wave at Iwitea Beach in November 2013.
The pair were taking part in a large family gathering at a nearby marae for a wedding and two unveilings.
A group decided to go to a notorious part of the beach to only wet their feet.
Coroner Carla na Nagara found the children - aged seven, eight and nine - were happily paddling when a large wave knocked them over.
Smith managed to grab one of the children, but lost his grip on Kustom Blandford who was swept out.
The coroner said Sage drowned attempting a brave rescue of his younger relative.
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