South Auckland man charged with murder of two-year-old

File photo / NZ Herald

A man has been charged with murdering a two-year-old girl in south Auckland.

Leilani Mary-Jane Lotonu'u-Lorigan died at a Manurewa address on June 9.

Inspector Gary Hill said an ambulance was called to the Manurewa house at 5.45am and the toddler was pronounced dead at the scene.

A homicide investigation was launched two days later after a post-mortem examination had been completed.

Michael Joseph Martin, a 23-year-old mechanic from Mangere, has been charged with murder and failing to provide the necessaries of life thereby committing manslaughter.

He was remanded in custody when he appeared in Manukau District Court on Friday.

Mr Hill said a team of 15 officers was working on the investigation.

"Police are victim focussed and want to stop incidents like this from happening. For us it's not just about locking up the offender, it's about ensuring families are provided with sustainable solutions that prevent these tragic crimes occurring in the first place.

"We continue to work with other agencies, organisations and individuals in the community to help break the cycle of family violence."

Family violence can be reported to the 24hr family violence helpline on 0800 456 450 or 24 hour Victim Support 0800victim. To report information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.