KEY POINTS:
An investigation is continuing into the death of a three-year-old girl who died in a swimming pool in West Auckland last Thursday.
Vimbai Machakaire was found in a neighbours' swimming pool, after initially being reported to police as missing about 7.15pm .
She had been playing in her garden in Ranui with her brothers and sisters when the alarm was raised.
Detective Sergeant Eugene Pickett confirmed that Waitakere police attended the scene, and their enquiries were continuing. The case has also been referred to the coroner.
There was a significant number of neighbours out looking when police arrived on the scene.
"She was found half an hour later in the next door neighbours' pool, but she was unable to be revived," Mr Pickett said.
The family arrived in New Zealand from Zimbabwe in 2004. Vimbai has already been buried in a traditional ceremony, with her favourite toy dog and a Lisa Simpson doll.
Waitakere Council has launched its own investigation into the incident, as it was believed Vimbai may have got into the pool through a faulty gate.
Council spokesman Wally Thomas confirmed the property had been inspected to see if it complied with regulations and the owners were asked to drain the pool. A report is due to be completed and forwarded to the police and coroner.
It was understood the property containing the pool was rented out to tenants.
Vimbai was the fourth toddler to drown in a home swimming pool this year, but the first to drown in a neighbours' pool.
- NZPA
