An injured 7-year-old boy went without medical treatment for a week before dying at the hands of his stepfather, police allege.
Duwayne Toetu Taote Pailegutu died on July 2 at his family's Nelson home despite the best efforts of emergency services to resuscitate him.
His stepfather, Johnny PukeruaIoakimo Joachim, 37, appeared in court yesterday charged with Duwayne's murder.
The original charge of assault was upgraded following further investigations.
Duwayne's mother Mary Joachim, 28, who went into the care of a women's refuge after her son's death, has been charged with failing to provide the necessities of life to her son.
Police said Duwayne suffered injuries in an assault seven days before he died.
Duwayne, described as a happy, energetic boy who loved playing rugby league, had been absent from school for several days before his death.
Staff at Nayland Primary School had been told that Duwayne was out of town visiting family. He and his family moved to Nelson from South Auckland late last year.
His body has been returned to Auckland for a funeral.
Child Youth and Family had twice been notified about the family but said there was nothing to indicate that he was in any danger. Joachim did not enter a plea and was put into the custody of Christchurch's Hillmorton Hospital for an assessment of his mental health.
He is to reappear in the Nelson District Court on July 29 and Mrs Joachim on August 15.
