The family of a child who died on a school trip have opened up on their loss

15-year-old Karnin Petera was swept away after his group got into trouble in the Abbey Caves in Whangarei during severe weather nearly a year ago.

It took more than 10 hours for him to be found by search and rescue.

Alicia Toki recalls her son being concerned about the weather the night before.

She says she told him not to worry, as if it's no good and not safe, he won't go.

Police have wrapped up their investigation and say they're not laying charges - WorkSafe is still investigating.