Northland is grieving the loss of two young children in the beachside town of Ruakākā.
Police launched a homicide investigation after two bodies were discovered at a property early on Monday morning.
Phil Paikea, lead facilitator at Safe Man Safe Family and also a former Black Power member, has connections to the whānau.
"I got calls from family members and they said 'this was our family', and oh gosh, now I know they're part of my family so that really makes it personal now," he said.
It's understood the two victims were aged between one and four years old.
"All I know is that two young children have lost their lives," Paikea said.
Police have been speaking to one person and there have been reports that a woman at the address called police on Monday morning.
Paikea has spoken to police about it.
"They did say who but that's not for me to say, really. All I'll say is someone's been arrested," Paikea said.
A karakia was held late on Monday afternoon.
Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo described it as tragic and shocking and said the family and community will be reeling and will need support.
Police encouraged the Northland community to look out for one another and said if anyone requires further assistance, there are a number of support agencies available.
Reg and his grandson Luke live across the road from the crime scene.
"Pretty shocking really, it's a good community. We have had a bit of trouble in the area over recent years and that. But yeah pretty sad to hear about that," Reg said.
"You never really expect anything to happen like that around this area. Yeah, real shocked at the moment," Luke said.
They worry there isn't enough support for the community.
"There's a lot of pressure on people out there. Things getting tighter all the time. Less money, you know. It's getting bad," Reg said.
Because like so many in Ruakākā, they're still trying to comprehend the enormity of this tragedy.
