A woman has been charged with murder in relation to the death of an 8-year-old boy in the Bay of Plenty region last month.

Police were called to Whakatāne Hospital on Friday, November 15 after Rickah’Shae Keefe-Haerewa died following an alleged assault, police said.

A scene examination was carried out at a property in the small town of Te Teko after the death.

The 25-year-old woman, who was initially charged with assault, was this morning charged with murder following a search warrant in Whakatāne. She is also facing charges of assaulting a child and assault with a weapon.

Family shouted messages of support to her during her first appearance last month, while someone in the public gallery called her a “monster”.

Wilson said a second person - a 61-year-old female - was also arrested following this morning’s search warrant. She faces charges of manslaughter, assaulting a child and assault with a weapon.

Both women are due to appear in the Whakatāne District Court tomorrow.

“As the matter is now before the courts, police can not provide any further comment,” Wilson said.

Family members have posted tributes to the young boy, who also went by the nickname Joppy, online.

“Mummie and daddie love you. Forever 8 my son.”

-Bay of Plenty Times