Woman charged with manslaughter after boy drowns at Napier beach

Rania Whare, 64, has been charged with manslaughter following the death of five-year-old Future Wairau. Whare appeared in Napier District Court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to causing the death by failing to provide necessary care. She has elected a trial by jury and is scheduled to appear in the Napier High Court on 16 October.

The boy went missing in the Westshore area of Napier between 6pm and 8.30pm on 5 February. Following a search involving police, Coastguard, and Surf Life Saving, his body was recovered from the water at approximately 1.30am on 6 February.

Detective Sergeant Kate Hyde stated that the decision to lay charges followed an "extensive and careful investigation". She added, “This was a tragic event for our community, and our thoughts are with the young boy’s family at this troubling and difficult time”.

During the court appearance, lawyer Eric Forster confirmed that no application for name suppression would be made. Police had previously appealed for witnesses who may have seen an unattended child near Charles Street, Gardiner Street, or the Ferguson Avenue Surf Life Saving Club.

How it developed

• Wed 30 Sep, 2:53pmReport 3 specifies that the body was found following a large late-night search involving the Coastguard and Surf Life Saving.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the exact time emergency services were called, with one stating 8.30pm and another stating the body was spotted at 8.30pm.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News and NZ Herald.