A 25-year-old woman has had their assault charge upgraded, over the death of an 8-year-old on November 15th.
The woman is now charged with murder as well as assaulting a child and assault with a weapon.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson said the 25-year-old had remanded in custody since her last court appearance on 20 November.
A 61-year-old woman was arrested today and is charged with manslaughter, assaulting a child and assault with a weapon.
Both women are due to appear in the Whakatāne District Court tomorrow.