Boiling water thrown over boy during dispute

A 4-year-old boy was admitted to hospital with burns after a domestic dispute turned ugly when he was covered in boiling water his grandfather allegedly threw at his grandmother to "cool her off".

Te Kuiti police sub-area manager, Senior Sergeant Rob Van Kalken, said emergency services were called to a house in the west of the town about 5.55am yesterday.

The boy's grandfather, 57, was arrested and charged with male assaults female, injuring a child and breach of a protection order.

The boy was taken to Te Kuiti Hospital to be treated for a scalding injury to his buttocks.

The unemployed man appeared at Te Kuiti District Court yesterday before a registrar. The man, whose associates outside the court said he was "a nice fella" who was humble and placid, was remanded and is to reappear tomorrow.

Mr Van Kalken said the man told officers he had been arguing with his wife and threw the water at her to cool her down. He said he did not know the water in the jug had been boiled.

"Given the nature of what has happened we are thankful the boy didn't suffer more serious injury but given about 10 children are killed every year in family violence situations, today's incident highlights the risks and why such behaviour is not okay," said Mr Van Kalken.

The Herald approached the woman for comment but she declined to be interviewed and threatened to sue. The boy, who was discharged from hospital yesterday morning, appeared to be recovering well.