Woman charged in relation to death of newborn baby girl last week

21 year old Taita woman has been charged in relation to the death of a newborn baby girl, found in the backyard of a Taita property last Monday (10 September).

Hutt Valley Tactical Response Manager Inspector Shane Cotter says the woman had earlier been identified as the mother of the newborn baby girl and has this evening been charged with murder.

She will appear in the Lower Hutt District Court tomorrow morning.

Around 10:30am on Monday 10 September, a Taita Drive resident phoned Police after discovering a deceased newborn baby wrapped in a towel at the rear of her property.

Inspector Cotter says the mother has no connection whatsoever to the residents of the Taita Drive property where the baby was found.

"The circumstances surrounding the baby girl's tragic death have been fully investigated by Police. Part of the investigation has been to determine the identity of the father of this baby. We believe we know who this man is, but we are awaiting DNA results to confirm paternity."

Given this matter is now before the Court, Police will not be making any further comment.