28 Feb 2019

Police name infant who died in Kaitaia

11:29 am on 28 February 2019

A four-week-old girl who died of injuries in Kaitaia has been named, as Northland police continue a homicide investigation.

Police generic

Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Maree Takuira Mita Ngahere was found dead at a house in Kaitaia on 19 February, police said.

Results from a post-mortem indicated she suffered a brain injury and bleeding to her brain. There was also severe bruising on one arm and thigh.

Acting Detective Inspector Lloyd Schmid said police were working closely with Oranga Tamariki as they investigate the infant's death.

"This is a challenging enquiry and police will continue to thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led up to Maree's tragic death."

Mr Schmid said there were people who knew what happened to Maree and he urged them to come forward.