Renall St in the Auckland suburb of Freemans Bay has been cordoned off by police after an incident on private property. Video / Carson Bluck
A woman has been charged with interfering with human remains after the body of a newborn baby was found in a wheelie bin outside a property in the Auckland suburb of Freemans Bay.
The 32-year-old woman appeared in Auckland District Court late this morning after being arrested yesterday, July 2.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard said a post-mortem examination was carried out on the baby yesterday, the results of which are still pending.
“We are conscious that this is a very delicate situation, and we are ensuring there is support in place for the woman,” Beard said.
During a brief hearing in Auckland District Court this morning, before Community Magistrate Rosemary Fitzpatrick, defence lawyer Joon Yi said his client was unable to attend due to health issues and remained in hospital.
The defence sought and was granted interim name suppression for the defendant. Bail has not yet been sought.
The magistrate ordered a next hearing for July 31, during which the defendant is expected to attend and enter a plea.
“Sadly, I can confirm the deceased is a newborn baby, and they were discovered in a wheelie bin outside an address,” Beard said.
“This is a tragedy for everyone concerned and there is a person’s wellbeing to consider here alongside the investigation, so we will ensure the woman gets the support she needs
“Police acknowledge this will understandably be quite confronting information for the community to grapple with.”
Flowers were at the scene after a newborn baby was found inside a wheelie bin outside an address in Renall St Ponsonby, this morning. Photo / Dean Purcell
Cordons have been lifted around Renall St today, where the incident occurred, Beard said.
However, police are still carrying out inquiries at a specific property on the street.
“Our inquiries remain ongoing and it will take some time for a thorough investigation to be completed,” Beard said
“We are continuing to ask for those in the community that might have information or CCTV footage that could assist us to get in touch.”
Anyone with information could update police online now or call 105, using the reference number 250630/9878 or citing ‘Operation Yarrow’, he said.
Information could also be given anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police cordon off street
Yesterday, police cordoned off Renall St, off Ponsonby Rd, as they investigated the discovery.
The mother of the baby, found among recycling at the Onehunga plant, was never found.
“This baby girl is laying in a mortuary with no name and no one to give her the funeral she deserves so she can be laid to rest,” Beard previously said.
