A sombre mood and high emotions at the Whakatāne District Court, as the women charged over the death of 8-year-old Ricka'shae Keefe Haerewa appeared in court.
In the public gallery, whānau cried over Haerewa's ashes, as the urn was in the courtroom while some people wore custom memorial t-shirts with Haerewa's image.
A 25-year-old woman has been charged with murder and appeared via audio visual link.
She had been due to appear for a bail application but her request will be heard next week, at the Tauranga High Court.
The 25-year-old's interim name suppression continues.
The 61-year-old faces a manslaughter charge and two other assault charges and appeared in person.
Because today was her first appearance and she did not have a lawyer, the woman was granted interim name suppression.
The suppression will lapse next week, if she does not apply for an extension.
Supporters yelled "I love you" from the public gallery, as the 61-year-old left the dock.
The pair are due to reappear in the Tauranga High Court, on January 22nd.