A soon-to-be father of five has died in hospital after being buried by a collapsed sand dune in Auckland

28-year-old Kane Watson was airlifted from Muriwai beach on Saturday in a critical condition.

Watson and his partner were at the beach with his step-children and daughter when the tragedy happened.

The couple's new baby is due early next year.

A friend says the family is shattered, and a Givealittle page has been set up to help with funeral costs.

Police are carrying out enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.