6 Mar 2019

Kaitaia homicide investigation into baby's death making progress - police

4:38 pm on 6 March 2019

Police in Northland are reporting progress in their inquiry into the death of a baby in Kaitaia.

Maree Takuira Ngahere, who was less than four weeks old, died last month after suffering head and other injuries.

Investigators are speaking to a large number of people both in Northland and further afield as part of the investigation, Acting Detective Inspector Lloyd Schmid said.

"We are working hard to gather as much information as we can to piece together all of the circumstances surrounding Maree's tragic death.

Maree Takuira Ngahere.

Maree Takuira Ngahere. Photo: Supplied

"We are making progress and we are grateful to those members of the public who have contacted police as a result of our appeals for information and have assisted our investigation.

The nature of the serious injuries inflicted on the baby was deeply concerning, Mr Schmid said.

"We know there are people out there who hold vital information about this case, and we urge them to come forward," Mr Schmid said.

A spokesperson for Maree's family, Bardia Matiu, said the family was united in their support for the police.

"We want to know what happened to our mokopuna," she said.