It is understood 11-year-old Troy Spiers was at his grandparents' house in Gulf Harbour, north of Auckland, when the accident happened on Wednesday about 1pm.
The house was being renovated at the time.
The exact events that led to the fall will form part of the information that police will provide to the Coroner.
Rodney police area commander Mark Fergus said the boy "was playing just like any other 11-year-old boy does and this is very upsetting for everyone involved''.
Troy was a Year 6 pupil at Pembroke School and principal Brent Godfrey said he was a "neat kid'' who loved sport and competition.
"He was a get-out-there-and-do-it type kid, he wasn't one for sitting down for too long,'' he said.
Troy had been a pupil of Pembroke School since he was five years old and was earlier this week farewelled from the school, after finishing Year 6 and bound for Oamaru Intermediate School next year.
Staff were "devastated'' to hear the news of his death, Mr Godfrey said.
"You don't expect that to happen when you say farewell to kids and the next day you find that out. That makes it even harder - you've said your farewells, but you don't expect it to be one like this.''
Mr Godfrey said Troy was "full-on'', but incredbly thoughtful of others.
"He was a really, really neat kid ... a cheeky little fella, thoughtful though - a really thoughtful kid."
A message on the Pembroke School Facebook page read: "One of our popular, fun loving year 6 boys, Troy Spiers died on Wednesday in a tragic accident. The Pembroke staff are shocked and incredibly sadden by this news. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Please respect the family's privacy at this difficult time.''
A person commenting on the post said: "Troy always had a smile on his face at school''.
Mr Godfrey said it was too early to determine exactly what action the school would take, but a service in the school hall was likely.
Troy's family have requested privacy.
