Time narrows in Hine probe

By ALISON HORWOOD

Abused Carterton toddler Hinewaoriki Karaitiana-Matiaha died at least five or six hours before her family took her to Masterton Hospital.

A homicide inquiry was set up after it was found that the little girl - who would have turned two next Monday - had been sexually violated, scalded with hot liquid and bashed about the head and stomach.

The inquiry head, Inspector Rod Drew, said yesterday that the timeframe for the time the toddler - nicknamed Lillybing - received her injuries had been narrowed to Saturday or Sunday of last weekend.

In the hours leading up to her arrival at hospital she had been at a Carterton house, in Charles St, with her aunt, uncle, their four children and other whanau.

Hine normally lived with her mother, grandmother and other whanau in Masterton, but it was usual for her to spend at least one night a week in Carterton.

Mr Drew said that on the Thursday night, the girl was dropped off at the Charles St house. Her mother went to visit her on Saturday afternoon but was told she was asleep.

Police say some attempt had been made to revive Hine before she was delivered dead to hospital at midnight on Sunday.

A neighbour on Charles St for the past two years, Maureen Lousich, described the family as a quiet bunch who kept to themselves.

"I don't have a lot to do with them. I say 'Hello' when I see them but they keep to themselves."

She says it was unusual that even in school holidays she rarely saw their four children playing outside.

Maureen Lousich said she did not hear anything over the three days and did not notice Hine around the property. There were no parties there at the weekend.

Mr Drew said significant progress was being made with the inquiry and it was now known that 72 people - including children and adults - had contact with Hine in the days leading up to her death. Police have spoken to more than 40 of those people.

Examinations at the Charles St house and at Nga Waka Kohanga Reo would continue this weekend.

Police have also seized clothing from Hine's caregivers after executing search warrants.

Mr Drew and Constables Troy Para, the Wairarapa Maori liaison officer, and Rob Rutene, attended her tangi yesterday at Papawai Marae in Greytown.

"There was a lot of sadness amongst the mourners at the passing of such a young kiddie," Mr Drew said.

"People talked about the need to do everything they could to prevent something like the events of last weekend happening again."