Murder charge over toddler's death

A woman charged with the murder of a Far North toddler last month has been remanded in custody until November 12.

The 34-year-old Kaitaia woman was granted name suppression until at least September 23 while a psychiatrist's report is prepared.

The two-year-old girl was taken to Kaitaia Hospital early on August 8 before being flown to Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland, where she died later in the morning.

Far North and Auckland police then launched a homicide investigation and the woman, understood to be the girl's mother, was initially charged with assault.

The assault charge was withdrawn today in Kaitaia District Court and replaced with one of murder.

- NZPA