An 11-month-old Hastings girl, who had just learned to walk, drowned after walking unnoticed through an insecure door leading to a swimming pool.
Bryleigh-Rose Yvonne Northover died on Sunday, six days short of her first birthday.
She was missing for about half an hour before her parents discoveredshe had drowned.
Police said Bryleigh-Rose walked through an open door leading to a fenced pool.
The girl's family were too distraught to speak to the Herald yesterday, but death notices in the Hawke's Bay Today newspaper paid tribute to "a precious and much loved" daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter.
"We will always think of you from your fake cry to your cheeky grin," a message from "Mummy and Maddy" said.
"You will be loved and cherished until the day we meet again."
Senior Sergeant Greg Brown said the death had been referred to the coroner but police planned to make further inquiries with the family and authorities this week.
It was too early to say whether anyone would face charges.
"There are a few things we need to follow up with the council," Mr Brown said.
