An urgent review of security fencing at Gore District Council owned ponds has been issued following the death of a three-year-old boy who drowned in the Gore oxidation ponds last night.

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Council Chief Executive Stephen Parry said the relevant authorities had also been notified and council would work closely with them.

Gore police were alerted to a missing child about 9.30 last night, and police and LandSAR commenced a land search in the area.

The child was discovered unresponsive at about 11.15pm in a pond, police said in a statement.

Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said he will visit the family of the boy this afternoon to offer his deepest sympathy and condolences.

"This is an absolute tragedy and will be felt by many in our small, close knit community," he said.