Woman charged with assault following toddler's death

A woman has been charged with assault after the death of a two-year-old girl in the Northland town of Kaitaia.

The toddler was taken to Kaitaia Hospital's emergency department with serious injuries about 4.30am yesterday.

She was transferred to Auckland's Starship Hospital where she died about 11am.

Senior Sergeant Geoff Ryan said today the 32-year-old arrested woman would appear in Auckland District Court tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile a homicide investigation was continuing while a post mortem examination would be conducted tomorrow to help determine the exact cause of the girl's death.

Police were also conducting a detailed examination of the toddler's home in Miro Place, Kaitaia.

Mr Ryan said police had spoken to family members who had been co-operative.

"We will continue to conduct enquiries with the immediate family in an attempt to piece together exactly what has occurred.

"There are still a significant number of friends and family to be spoken to in getting a detailed background picture of the environment the deceased and her family lived in.

"This is a tragic time for the family and we will be respecting the need for the family to have time to cope with what has happened."

- NZPA