Manslaughter charge over death of Napier mother

Photo / File

A Wairoa woman has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a Napier mother-of-three.

The 52-year-old woman, who has interim name suppression, appeared in the Napier District Court today following an ongoing investigation into the death of 69-year-old Aileen MacDonald.

Detective Sergeant Darren Pritchard said police and ambulance services were called to an Onekawa address in Napier on December 28.

Mrs MacDonald was found with a number of injuries and subsequently passed away in Hawkes Bay Hospital three days later.

Mr Pritchard said an arrest had been made early in the investigation. The woman previously appeared in Hastings District Court on December 30 on a charge of assault and that charge was dropped today.

"We have made significant progress in this matter and have now charged this woman with manslaughter," Mr Pritchard said.

The accused was remanded on bail until her next court appearance at the High Court in Napier on February 3.

Police did not oppose bail.

An application to photograph the woman in court by Hawke's Bay Today was declined as the court permitted the 52-year-old more time to notify her family of the updated charge.

A funeral for the "much loved and cherished wife ... and companion" who was "loved by her sisters, nieces and nephews" was held on January 3.