16 Nov 2022

Man charged with manslaughter over death of Gisborne toddler

10:25 pm on 16 November 2022
Auckland, New Zealand - December 24, 2020: Close up of a New Zealand police officer's uniform and badge

Photo: 123RF

Police have arrested and charged two people over the death of a Gisborne toddler earlier this year.

Nineteen-month-old Casino Ataria-Wharehinga died in January after she was badly beaten.

A homicide investigation was subsequently launched.

Police say a 35-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman have now been arrested.

They both knew the victim.

The man has been charged with manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm with reckless disregard for safety, while the woman has been charged with perverting the cause of justice.

The pair have been jointly charged with neglecting a child and are due to appear in the Gisborne District Court tomorrow.