Police have charged a man with murder and a woman with manslaughter over the death of a toddler in South Auckland.
Arapera Fia died in Starship on 31 October. Photo: Supplied / police
The man and woman, both aged 21, pleaded not guilty and were granted interim name suppression at Manukau District Court.
Two-year-old Arapera Fia died in Starship Hospital on 31 October after being found injured at a Weymouth property earlier that day.
Counties Manukau CIB detective inspector Warrick Adkin said no-one else was being sought in relation to her death.
"I want to acknowledge the hard work and perseverance by the investigation team that has resulted in these arrests," a statement from Adkin said.
"Investigations involving the suspicious deaths of children have a profound effect on the whānau and our wider community. Often these investigations can be impeded by members of the whānau failing to come forward with information or cooperating with police.
"I want to acknowledge Arapera's whānau who have cooperated and assisted police throughout this investigation. I also want to acknowledge those within our community who came forward with information."
Lawyers for the 21 year olds entered not guilty pleas on their behalf at Manukau District Court on Tuesday morning.
Judge Ajit Swaran Singh granted name suppression through to their next court appearance, as some family members were yet to be notifed of the charges.
The matter will be called next at the High Court in Auckland on 1 December.
