Katikati dog attack: Woman charged over death of Timothy Rolleston, 4

Timothy Tu'uaki Rolleston-Bryan, 4, of Katikati, died after being attacked by dogs on March 28, 2025.

A woman has been charged in relation to the death of a 4‑year‑old Katikati boy fatally attacked by dogs a year ago.

Timothy Rolleston, also known as Timoti, was injured on March 28 last year at a property in Tuapiro, Katikati.

Despite urgent efforts, he died shortly afterwards at the Katikati Medical Centre.

Following the attack, three dogs were seized and euthanised.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew‑Brown said in a statement today police have summonsed a 35‑year‑old woman in connection with the incident.

The woman has been charged with owning a dog that causes death to a person.

She was scheduled to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on Monday next week.

“Timothy’s family have been notified of this outcome. Our thoughts remain with them, and we continue to offer them the necessary support,” Flowerdew‑Brown said.

The boy’s guardian and grandmother, Amy Rolleston, told NZME last week she and husband Timothy Bryan had been “blindsided” to learn late last month that police were still investigating the case.

She said police told them months ago that the inquiry was closed, and no charges would be laid – a decision they supported.

Flowerdew-Brown said police had received new information in January.

The charge development comes the day before what would have been Timoti’s 5th birthday.