Renall St in the Auckland suburb of Freemans Bay has been cordoned off by police after an incident on private property. Video / Carson Bluck
The woman has been remanded in custody on a charge of interfering with human remains after the body of a newborn baby was found in a Freemans Bay wheelie bin.
At a hearing this morning in Auckland District Court, the woman’s lawyer, Joon Yi, applied for her interim name suppressionto be continued.
Police applied for the summary of facts to be suppressed.
Judge Pippa Sinclair granted both applications until full arguments can be heard on the issues on October 15.
The defendant attended court via video link and was supported in the courtroom by her aunt and father.
During a brief hearing in Auckland District Court on the day of her arrest, before Community Magistrate Rosemary Fitzpatrick, Yi said his client was unable to attend because she was in hospital.
The defence sought and was granted interim name suppression at that hearing. Bail was not sought.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard said earlier this month that police discovered the child about 10pm on July 1, on Renall St.
“Sadly, I can confirm the deceased is a newborn baby, and they were discovered in a wheelie bin outside an address.
“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's body was found in a wheelie bin outside a home in Renall St, Freemans Bay. Photo / Dean Purcell
“Our inquiries remain ongoing, and it will take some time for a thorough investigation to be completed.
“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.”
Police cordoned off street after discovery
Police cordoned off Renall St, off Ponsonby Rd, as they investigated the discovery earlier this month.
A bouquet of pink roses was laid at the cordon.
Renall St remained cordoned off while police investigated the death of a newborn baby.
A scene guard stood at the taped-off crossing.
From the cordon, police wearing gloves could be seen entering and leaving a property that was also wrapped in police tape.
