Boy who died remembered as a happy boy

Matiu Wereta

A two-year-old boy who died on Wednesday nigh in hospital after being assaulted in his Hastings home on Monday has been named by police.

He was Matiu Wereta of Flaxmere.

Police also released a statement from the boy's family.

"This is a very difficult time for us as we go through the grieving process and take in the events of the past few days," the statement said.

"We have a very supportive whanau around us and are being supported by our local community.

"Matiu was a happy, smiley, adventurous boy who loved being active and getting involved in a lot of activities. He loved kapa haka, which his family has been involved in for some time.

"Matiu attended Te Tirahou daycare at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and was a popular little boy there. He loved to sing, dance and play with all his friends and teachers. He touched many hearts with his cheeky smile and warm heart, and will be sadly missed by all his whanau and friends."

"We appreciate all the kind wishes and support we have been offered from many people.
This is a tragic event that is extremely hard for any family to comprehend or experience.
We must now wait for the judicial process to take its course."

The family asked for their privacy to be respected.

A 17-year-old Rotorua youth has been charged with assaulting a child and appeared in the Hasting District Court on Tuesday.

No plea has been entered.

He was granted interim name suppression and remanded on bail to reappear on November 3.