Baby's parents deny failing to co-operate

Christchurch Hospital, where the baby girl died after being admitted with severe injuries. Picture / Martin Woodhall

The parents of a baby girl who died from injuries allegedly suffered in their care have denied claims they are failing to co-operate with police.

Seven-month-old Staranise Orangaiti Hinerangi Waru died after being admitted to Christchurch Hospital in February with severe injuries police said were caused by violent shaking.

Staranise had been in the care of her parents, Robert Waru and Nyree Hopa, at their Christchurch home the morning she suffered her injuries. She died in hospital after being taken off life support two days later.

Both parents have denied having any involvement in their child's death.

Police said this week they had co-operated in the early stages of the investigation into Staranise's death but had failed to do so more recently.

However, lawyers for Mr Waru and Ms Hopa yesterday labelled the police claim "patently wrong".

"Staranise's parents are disappointed the police have elected to go to the media with this ... when the parents had been of the view they had co-operated fully with the police in their investigation to the extent that they have been able and in circumstances where future co-operation was anticipated," the lawyers said.

Detective Sergeant Mike Johnson said the parents had not given any reason for failing to co-operate. "I don't know what they are thinking. We are always willing to talk to them," he said.

Lawyers Liz Bulger and Allister Davis said: "Staranise's parents have voluntarily made two statements each to the police during the course of the investigation, at the request of the police and without legal representation. Other family members have been interviewed by the police and have given statements voluntarily.

"There have been a number of visits by the police to the family home and, with agreement, a large number of items have been taken away for examination over the period since Staranise's death."

Mr Johnson said police had gone public to try to apply pressure on family members or others with information about Staranise's death to come forward. It was believed someone had crucial information that could be "the final piece of the puzzle".

He would not comment on whether there was a prime suspect but said police had narrowed it down to a "limited group of people" in contact with Staranise during the important timeframes.

"We want to resolve this case. It is a pretty sad case all-round for those involved and for us investigating."

The case has strong parallels to the investigation into the deaths of 3-month-old twins Chris and Cru Kahui, where police have also complained of family members not co-operating.

Mr Johnson said he did not know enough about the case, except what he had read in the media, to comment.

The head of the Kahui investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant John Tims, said police were making "really good progress" and were moving forward every day. However there was nothing new to report publicly. "We still have people to talk to and we are working through that."