Human placentas mystery solved

File photo / APN

Police investigating the discovery of two human placentas found in a creek bed in the Waikato last week have confirmed that the mother and children are safe and well.

The placentas were found in the Te Toto Gorge near Whaanga Road, south west of Raglan.

A woman contacted Waikato police this morning as a result of media coverage and police had confirmed the mother and her children were well, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Whitehead said.

The woman had explained that the placentas were from two separate births and the mother had stored them for several years before deciding to place them in a setting that was appropriate to her, Mr Whitehead said.

Mr Whitehead said that by chance the placentas had been placed in an area which was of historical significance to local Maori.

"The method of disposal was not in keeping with Maori cultural protocols and the area was a place that Maori were unlikely use for this purpose. It was these factors that added to the concerns that the police held."

It was pleasing that the matter has been resolved in such a timely and positive way, he said.

Police had earlier expressed concern over the safety of the babies and carried out forensic examinations to determine whether the placentas were from a common mother.

- NZPA