Tamsyn Whiteman, 9, dies in bath in family home

The Auckland girl who died in the bath of her family home has been described as a "much-loved" student at her school.

She has been named this morning as nine-year-old Tamsyn Whiteman, a student at Exclusive Brethren school, Westmount School, in the South Auckland suburb of Mangere Bridge.

Tamsyn drowned in a bathtub yesterday about 7.50am at her home in Conifer Grove.

She was a member of the New Zealand Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, also known as the Exclusive Brethren, a statement released by the church said.

She had three older siblings and was a "much-loved" school student who was looking forward to starting back at school today, church spokesman Doug Watt said.

The school and church community was "deeply saddened by the tragic death". he said.

"The loss is a tragedy for the family and the wider community and will impact the school in the days ahead.

"Staff and students at the Westmount Auckland campus will be offered counselling during this very difficult time."

Watt said the church was providing support and assistance to Tamsyn's family.

Senior Sergeant John Yearbury said at the scene yesterday that the "family are really raw at the moment".

Tamsyn has other siblings, he said, and a family member discovered her body.

She had died by the time emergency services arrived.