Ruthless-Empire Ahipene-Wall, known as Baby Ru, died just before his second birthday, on 22 October, after being taken to Hutt Hospital in an unresponsive state. Photo: Supplied
Police have been in contact with the family of Baby Ru following RNZ's story about the case, after nearly three months of no communication.
The toddler, now known as Nga Reo Te Huatahi Reremoana Ahipene-Wall, died of serious head injuries at Hutt Hospital in October.
No-one has yet been charged over his death - the result of blunt force trauma to his head, either inflicted by a weapon or by slamming his tiny skull on a hard floor or table, according to police.
Whānau told RNZ they had not been given a police update since early January and were upset it was taking so long.
The toddler's great aunt Sarah Jane Reremoana told RNZ earlier this week that the lack of progress was frustrating for the whānau.
"Our hearts are shattered, especially not hearing from the police since early January."
But on Friday, Nga Reo's uncle Ngatanahira Reremoana said police had been in touch following the publicity.
"Our family are still devastated and still healing. It's been five months today and it's just like it happened yesterday."
Ruthless-Empire Ahipene-Wall, known as Baby Ru, died just before his second birthday, on 22 October, after being taken to Hutt Hospital in an unresponsive state. Photo: Supplied
They were also waiting for Oranga Tamariki's review into the case, he said.
Oranga Tamariki said the report was ongoing.
In a written statement to RNZ, chief social worker Peter Whitcombe said the death of Baby Ru was "a tragedy", and their thoughts were with his whānau.
"We are continuing to work alongside other agencies to review our collective response to Nga Reo and his whānau."
"While the police investigation continues, we are very limited in what we can comment on publicly."
