Gore mother sentenced after accidentally running over and killing 3-year-old son in driveway

A Gore mother accidentally ran over and killed her 3-year-old son while reversing a vehicle in her driveway after attempting to create a safe play area for her children, a court has heard.

Kristeena Rose Kumeroa, 31, was sentenced at Gore District Court yesterday after earlier pleading guilty to careless driving causing the death of Malakai Kumeroa-Philp.

According to the summary of facts obtained by the Herald, the incident happened at the family’s Charlton Rd home on January 1, 2025.

Kumeroa - who can finally be named - had created a makeshift barrier in the driveway to form a play area for her children and was reversing her vehicle to close a remaining gap.

Before getting into the vehicle, Malakai followed her through the gap in the barrier, but Kumeroa told him to return to where his younger brother was standing.

Malakai Kumeroa-Philp died following a driveway incident in Gore on New Year's Day, 2025. Photo / Supplied

After entering the vehicle, Kumeroa saw Malakai come back towards the gap. She spoke to the children again, but they did not move.

The summary said Kumeroa then slowly reversed the vehicle while leaning out and communicating with the children, with one leg outside the vehicle.

CCTV footage captured the vehicle suddenly accelerating backwards, consistent with Kumeroa accidentally pressing the accelerator instead of the brake.

Malakai was struck and the vehicle rolled over him, causing significant injuries.

Kumeroa was also dragged by the vehicle and suffered minor injuries.

Malakai was taken to hospital by family members, but died several hours later.

Kumeroa was sentenced to 60 hours’ community work, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

An obituary in The Southland Times said Malakai was a dearly treasured and adored son of James and Kristeena, dearly loved brother of Jaylah, Manarangi, and Te Manawa, cherished Grandson of Hilda, Heather and Greg, beloved nephew of his Aunties and his Uncle, and dearly loved by all his cousins.

“In peace, we lay your spirit to rest, in love, we hold the pain in our chest. Harmony lost, yet memories remain, a child’s bright light through sorrow and pain.” it read.

Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.