KEY POINTS:
A couple accused of failing to co-operate with police after their baby daughter died from injuries suffered in their care are expecting another child, and Child, Youth and Family is involved in who will have custody.
Robert Waru and Nyree Hopa have denied responsibility in the death of 7-month-old Staranise Orangaiti Hinerangi Waru, who died in Christchurch Hospital in February after being admitted with severe injuries police said were caused by her being shaken violently.
No charges have yet been laid over Staranise's death.
In October, police stated publicly that Mr Waru and Ms Hopa were refusing to co-operate with their investigation, but this claim was denied by lawyers for the couple.
The Weekend Herald has since learned that Ms Hopa is pregnant, and police have advised Child, Youth and Family (CYF) of their concerns for the safety of the unborn child.
It is understood the unborn child is Mr Waru's, and Ms Hopa is due to give birth in February.
Liz Bulger, the lawyer representing Ms Hopa, refused to comment on her client's pregnancy or the CYF involvement when contacted yesterday.
The head of the police investigation into Staranise's death, Detective Sergeant Mike Johnson, also would not comment yesterday on Ms Hopa's pregnancy. He referred the Weekend Herald to Detective Inspector Malcolm Johnston, who oversees child abuse investigations for Christchurch police.
Mr Johnston said police had become aware of Ms Hopa's pregnancy, and because of concerns about the safety of the unborn child, these had been passed on to CYF.
Mr Johnston said the matter was now out of police hands, and he could not comment further.
CYF said it was "inappropriate" for the service to comment on issues that could impact on an active police investigation or which could breach the privacy of the individuals involved.
Chief social worker Dr Marie Connolly said there were occasions when the courts would grant orders to remove babies immediately upon their birth, but only when there was no other option.
"If the child has to be removed then a family/whanau caregiver is the first option. If no family members are identified then the child will be placed with a CYF caregiver."
