Investigations are underway after a boy died following routine tonsil surgery at Auckland's Southern Cross hospital

The six-year-old later collapsed at home, stopped breathing and later died in Starship Hospital.

Our newsroom understands the operation took place privately last week and his family was told there was a complication during the procedure.

Health New Zealand's now investigating, while Police are conducting inquiries on behalf of the Coroner.

Southern Cross Healthcare says patient safety is always its highest priority, and it's supporting the Health NZ review.