Experienced Police shocked by media behaviour following death of new born baby and mother

Waikato Police, acting on behalf of the Coroner and in support of the family in relation to the death of a young mother and her new born baby, are pleading with media to show some compassion as reporters take to interviewing children in the hunt for a news story.

Hamilton Shift Manager, Senior Sergeant Mike Underwood, said he had been in contact with the understandably distraught family in relation to the matters.

"The child died in Waikato overnight, if that wasn't devastating enough one television news broadcaster and a newspaper published the child's death while the boy was still alive.

"The family have expressed their concerns that they are being used as pawns by media outlets intent on scooping their rivals while they are trying to work their way through a double tragedy and a natural grieving process. They have asked that their privacy be respected."

With the death of the baby being reported to the Coroner Mr Underwood said a post mortem examination would be conducted in Wellington today.

His death follows that of his mother, 20-year-old Casey Missy Turama NATHAN, who died at Waikato Hospital on Monday following complications during child birth.

"Police involvement in the death of the boy and his mother is on behalf of the Waikato Coroner and is in line with our attendance in all deaths of this nature.

"Comments on the cause of death of either person at this time would be inappropriate and it is for the Coroner to establish this in due course. At this time we would ask, for the sake of the grieving family, that their privacy be respected and they be allowed to grieve in dignity."