The 18-month-old baby who died in a car crash near Opotiki over the weekend has been named.

Police today named the boy as Kiriwhakairo Riverton Parata-Elia, of Belmont in Auckland.

The child was one of four people in a 4WD that crashed off State Highway 2 at Waiotahi about 6am Sunday.

Police earlier said the vehicle was found upside down in a drain.

"An infant was travelling in the vehicle, and as a result of the crash the infant is now deceased," say police.

Eastern BOP Road Policing group manager Sergeant Ray Wylie says enquiries into the crash are continuing.

A funeral notice for the child says he is the loved son of Waiotemarama Rozlyn Parata Haua and Te Orangapumau Elia and baby brother of Hiria Te Kiekie Parata Elia.

Kiriwhakairo will depart for Hiruharama Pa, Ruatoria at 6am Tuesday. His funeral service will be held at 11am Wednesday, June 18 at Hiruharama Pa followed by interment at Korokota Urupa, Kahuitara.