Overview

• A bus driver at the Kaiwaka terminal north of Auckland alerted police on August 3 after noticing movement in a suitcase that contained a two-year-old girl.
• Detective Simon Harrison said the child suffered heat exposure but no serious injuries and was hospitalized for evaluation before being placed under Oranga Tamariki protective care.
• A 27-year-old woman was arrested on August 4 and charged with child abuse and neglect and is scheduled to appear in North Shore District Court.
• Authorities are investigating the circumstances and potential intent behind the incident and may file further charges as the case develops.
• The incident has sparked scrutiny of luggage compartment safety and prompted calls for stricter screening protocols on intercity buses.