She was taken to Starship Hospital by ambulance but died soon after.
The Weekend Herald understands family members were still being contacted and notified last night.
Tributes were posted on a Te Atatu community Facebook page last night, of which her parents are members.
Television personality Nathan Rarere, who knows the girl's parents, was one of the first to write a message of support.
"This morning's news is truly a tragedy," he said.
"Much love to our loving Peninsula family who have lost their gorgeous, smiley little angel."
"I'm heartbroken, loved her so much. I can still see her smile. Devastating, unbelievable. My thoughts and prayers are with mum and dad and the family to get through this unimaginably heartbreaking time," wrote Natasha Tilley.
Courtney Jane said: "Loved that little bub so much. Such a little sunshine."
And Kiri Barratt said "rest in love beautiful girl with the beautiful smile".
Police were investigating the girl's death, the second driveway fatality in West Auckland this year.
On March 28 toddler Mila Tamihana was found in her Cartmel Ave driveway in Massey with fatal injuries after being hit by a car.
The 18-month-old was rushed to Waitakere Hospital by family members.
Doctors tried desperately to revive her, but her condition deteriorated quickly and she died.
Detective Senior Sergeant James Bothamley said Criminal Investigation Branch staff were working with the Waitemata Serious Crash Unit to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident which led to the 3-year-old receiving fatal injuries yesterday.
"Our thoughts are with the child's family. This is an incredibly sad incident for everyone involved," he said.
The little girl's family were being supported by police and Victim Support.
Residents in the quiet West Auckland cul-de-sac were reluctant to speak about what had happened. Those spoken to by the Weekend Herald said they had not seen or heard the incident.
Child safety advocate Safekids was saddened by the girl's death and said driveway fatalities were "much too high" in New Zealand.
"It's terrible. It's a tragedy," said director Anne Weaver. "It's happening too often.
"We really have to be vigilant with cars and children." Mrs Weaver said summer was a particularly dangerous time for children in driveways. As the weather warmed, more doors were left open, and children were allowed to play outside more often so driveway deaths and injuries increased.
"The driveway is not a place for children to play. Pre-schoolers can't understand how dangerous a car can be. But it's not getting through to people," she told the Weekend Herald. "This happens regularly, and it could happen to your child."
Valentina's family has asked for privacy.
