Police believe a toddler was killed after a free-standing stove fell on him.

Emergency services were called to the address in Te Aroha, 55km northeast of Hamilton, after the 18-month-old died about 7am on Sunday.

Matamata-Piako police sub-area manager, Senior Sergeant Rod Carpinter, said a scene examination was due to begin on Sunday afternoon.

"All I can confirm is that we are investigating the unfortunate death of an 18-month-old boy after what appears to have been a free-standing stove falling on top of him," he said.

"We're currently speaking to people at the scene and receiving the support of family and friends who were at the property at the time the incident occurred."