Police say progress in inquiry into tot’s death

Weeks after the alleged killing of Sofia Taueki-Jackson, police have confirmed for the first time several of the one-year-old’s wha¯ nau have spoken with investigators.

The baby died at her mother’s home in south Auckland on Saturday, May 23, and police launched a homicide investigation three days later following an autopsy.

They have yet to make an arrest or lay charges in the case.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Fa’amanuia Va’aelua, of the Counties Manukau District, said investigators had spoken to members of Sofia’s wha¯ nau and the inquiry was progressing well.

The confirmation follows an appeal a week earlier by Va’aelua for anyone with information to contact police, anonymously if required. His call was echoed by veteran ex-cop and Auckland councillor Alf Filipaina.

The Ka¯inga Ora property in Flat Bush Rd, Clover Park, is in the Manukau ward of Filipaina, who called on anyone with information to speak with police. ‘‘It is about having peace for Sofia. Just help the police, for Sofia’s sake.’’

Va’aelua would not be drawn on details of the investigation but said police would hold anyone responsible to account.

‘‘We cannot comment on specific injuries Sofia sustained before her death, and we will not be speculating around the number of people supposedly involved in her death.’’

Taueki-Jackson was the second child of Owen Jackson and Phyllis Taueki, who has four surviving children.

Oranga Tamariki earlier confirmed it was assisting police with the investigation but would not comment further.

Jackson and Taueki were not together as a couple at the time their baby died. The baby’s tangi was held the Friday after her death and Taueki’s home was occupied again the day after.

A woman at the property, who did not identify herself, reacted with anger when approached for comment by Stuff.

Taueki was vocal on social media about protecting her five children prior to Sofia’s death, listing their names on her Facebook profile then writing: ‘‘hurt [any] of them and I WILL KILL’’.

Neighbours said Taueki has only lived at the home for a few months. She has recent links to a property on the North Shore, where Jackson works as a scaffolder.

It is not known whether Jackson was at the home on the day his daughter died.

He described his children as his pride and joy and ‘‘my everything’’ on Facebook.

Stuff has been unable to reach him for comment, while wha¯ nau of Taueki have not responded to requests for comment.