Hutt Valley baby fractures case

The story so far

On 14 June, a three-month-old girl was taken by her family to Hutt Hospital with multiple fractures, and police said they did not believe the injuries were accidental.^{3, 7 Jul 2025} Police later said the girl had nine fractures, including to her ribcage, ankle and arm, which appeared to have occurred at different stages of healing.^{7 Jul 2025} On 6 August, a 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with four counts of assaulting a child in connection with the Hutt Valley case.^{6 Aug 2025} Separately, a 22-year-old man was arrested in Hawke's Bay and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravening a protection order, over a three-month-old baby critically injured in July; the stories do not say whether this is the same case.^{7 Aug 2025} In September, police asked the public for help reporting child abuse after several cases in the lower North Island, including the death of a six-month-old in July.^{4 Sep 2025}

Latest

In early September, police asked the public to help report child abuse, saying several children in the region had been killed or seriously injured in recent months.^{4 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 3 Jul 2025Police say a three-month-old girl's multiple fractures were not believed accidental.
2. 7 Jul 2025Police report nine fractures, some at different stages of healing.
3. 6 Aug 2025A 23-year-old man is charged with four counts of assaulting a child.
4. 7 Aug 2025A 22-year-old man is charged over a separate baby's critical injuries.
5. 4 Sep 2025Police appeal for public help after several child abuse cases.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.