In a statement today, Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe said, “While the circumstances around this incident are unexplained, there is no ongoing risk to the public.”
The body of a 3-year-old boy was found at a property in Kerr St, Devonport, on New Year’s Day, the Herald understands. Photo / Michael Craig
An autopsy on the preschooler’s body was carried out on January 3.
A neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said she heard an adult and children swimming and playing in a pool at the property from about midday until 3pm on New Year’s Day.
“I could hear kids jumping in the pool until about three, then it went silent. The owners were on Waiheke, we had no idea who the people were, and that’s what is puzzling us all,” she told the Herald.
Police are investigating the unexplained death on Kerr St, Devonport. A neighbour said she heard an adult and children playing in the pool earlier in the day. Photo / Michael Craig
The neighbour said she heard nothing of any later incident, which led to the discovery of the boy’s body.
“I am a mum who could have tried to save that kid. That’s what keeps playing on my mind,” she said.
Kerr St is a coveted, leafy address known for its mix of historic villas, cottages and character homes, close to the Devonport village.
Another neighbour told the Herald the street was a tight-knit community where “everybody knows everybody”.
Six neighbouring properties were formerly Kāinga Ora homes, sold into private ownership last year.
Yesterday, police issued a new appeal to the public in an effort to find the adult and at least two children believed to have used the pool at the house that day.
Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe pictured in 2017. He is leading the investigation into the New Year’s Day death in Devonport. Photo / Nick Reed
Pascoe, who is leading the police investigation, said the death was being treated as unexplained.
“We do not believe these people were present at the address at the time of the death,” he said.
“However, we are asking that they come forward to enable police to confirm their movements and any observations they may have made.”
An earlier police appeal asked those who might have dashcam or CCTV footage to also come forward.
Pascoe was involved in another high-profile unexplained death in 2021, when Pauline Hanna was found dead at the Remuera mansion she shared with her husband, eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne. He was charged with her murder, then found not guilty in 2024.
Pascoe has urged anyone with information about the Devonport death to contact police on 105 and quote the file number 260102/0177.
Carolyne Meng-Yee is an Auckland-based investigative journalist who won Best Documentary at the Voyager Media Awards in 2022. She worked for the Herald on Sunday from 2007-11 and rejoined the Herald in 2016 after working as an award-winning current affairs producer at TVNZ’s 60 Minutes, 20/20 and Sunday.