A woman appeared in the North Shore District Court today charged with ill treatment/neglect of a child after an incident whereby a young child was found inside a suitcase in the luggage compartment of a long-distance bus in Kaiwaka on 3 August.
The woman’s lawyer requested and was granted interim name suppression and asked that her client be remanded without entering a plea to allow time for a forensic assessment to be conducted. The 27-year-old’s identity was protected after the Judge ruled media must pixelate her face to comply with said order. She will reappear today (5 August).
Police say further charges have not been ruled out as the investigation continues.
The shocking discovery was made shortly before 1pm on Sunday, when a passenger requested access to their bags. The bus driver, noticing movement in one of the suitcases, opened it to find a young girl inside.
“The little girl was very hot, but appeared physically unharmed,” said Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison of Waitematā CIB. “She was immediately transported to hospital, where she underwent a full medical assessment.”
Police have confirmed the child is medically well and is now in the care of whānau and partner agencies. Oranga Tamariki is working with Police to ensure her ongoing safety and support.
Acting Detective Inspector Harrison acknowledged the bus driver’s swift response, stating: “We would like to commend the quick-thinking actions of the driver. That intervention may have prevented a much more serious outcome.”
Harrison added that police maintain procedural compliance despite widespread media coverage, which has spread overseas via social media.
“We appreciate there is high public interest with what has happened.”
“However given the circumstances concerning the child, and the matter being before the Court, we are unable to provide further comment.”
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