The death of a missing young boy near Gisborne has been referred to the Coroner

The body of five-year-old Khyzah was found about 3.30 yesterday afternoon in a pond near his home, at Tiniroto, south of Gisborne.

Hundreds of people joined the search for the boy, alongside specialist search teams, rescue dogs, and a helicopter crew.

Detective Sergeant Wayne Beattie says everyone who's been involved in the search is devastated.