The boy's father told the Otago Daily Times that when he found out his son was killed he was completely "blind-sided".
The news had "come from nowhere".
He said he "loved him to bits" and had fond memories of taking him hunting and fishing as he was growing up.
Southland area commander Inspector Mike Bowman said police had arrested and charged a person with murder. The person appeared before Judge Bernadette Farnan in the Invercargill Youth Court yesterday.
They were remanded to appear in the Invercargill High Court on November 19.
Judge Farnan suppressed all details of that person and details of the victim's identity.
Insp Bowman said police were working with one school in the area.
"This is a tragic, tragic event involving an 8-year-old child.
"You only have to use your own imagination to know the trauma they [the family] are going through at this difficult time."
"This is a truly tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family of the child at this difficult time.
"Police, along with Victim Support, will continue to support them and the tight-knit Otautau community throughout the investigation."
He said no-one else was being sought in relation to the incident.
Environmental Science and Research (ESR) scientists were involved in forensic examinations at two houses, which would take at least two days, he said.
Police were called to the area about 10.30pm on Wednesday.
A family friend said yesterday the boy's father rang him on Wednesday night with the news of his son's death.
"He didn't know what to say last night. He just broke down ... He will never be the same."
Otautau Gallery owner Pamela Hopkins said the community was "shattered".
Otautau was a small and close community where everybody knew each other and where people felt safe.
No-one expected "something like this would happen here".
"Because my gallery is in the main road, I have a lot of locals coming here and I have a good feel of [what] this little town is like.
"I'm used to seeing these kids walking around, riding their bikes, feeling perfectly safe."
Southland Mayor Gary Tong, a former police officer, said the rural town of about 700 was a tight-knit group.
"It'll be traumatic for the community.
"I don't know the full details at this stage but hearts and thoughts are with the families and those that attended the incident as well - they're all volunteers in that area."
Two properties remained under police guard throughout yesterday.
