Student, 20, charged over death of baby

A 20-year-old University of Otago student has been charged with manslaughter after the death of a newborn baby girl found wrapped in a plastic bag in the grounds of Studholme College in Dunedin on Saturday night.

The second-year international student appeared before Judge Stephen O'Driscoll in the Dunedin District Court yesterday afternoon.

The young woman, who has interim name suppression pending a psychiatric report, was remanded on bail to appear in the district court on June 20.

Her mother, who arrived from overseas on Monday, was among several supporters.

The student stood quietly in the dock as her lawyer, John Westgate, told the court police did not oppose bail.

Under the bail conditions, she must reside at a Dunedin address and report to the Dunedin police station twice a week. Her passport will be held by police.

Police charged the student with manslaughter after receiving the autopsy results and interviewing her on Monday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Wakelin said the investigation had been emotionally difficult for his staff as they were all parents.

The university community was deeply saddened at what had been a "very tragic situation for everyone involved", university director of Student Services David Richardson said in a statement yesterday.

Studholme College, where the student lived, arranged her legal counsel. The student and her family had also received care and support from the university's Pacific Islands Centre, Mr Richardson said.

"Our thoughts are with the student during this very difficult time. We are offering our practical support to the immediate family and will continue to do so.

"The university is also providing counselling and support to all others directly involved, including fellow residents and staff at Studholme College."

Mr Richardson said the university provided services specifically for overseas students.

"But no matter how good these programmes are, or how well we promote them, no one can force a student to seek professional or peer advice and support. Nevertheless, we will be reviewing our processes to ensure we meet the needs of our students."

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES