Two children have undergone surgery in Pōneke/Wellington due to "horrific" injuries which are believed to have been inflicted deliberately.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Cotton said investigators believe the two siblings, aged 4 and 5, were injured deliberately and "likely over a period of time".
"Both have a multitude of broken bones, extensive bruising and one child had brain bleeds and severe internal injuries."
Investigators on Friday asked the public for help in finding out what happened to the children.
It comes after a young child with "serious injuries" was taken to hospital by ambulance two weeks ago, on March 8.
"Concerned" hospital staff then alerted police to a possible family harm incident at a home in Stokes Valley, said Cotton.
"A medical assessment of the child and their sibling revealed further injuries believed to have been sustained in previous incidents."
She said it took a couple of weeks to understand the full extent of the injuries.
"These injuries do not just happen; it’s likely someone knows something or has seen something and that’s why we need the community’s help."
The children had moved from Waterloo to Stokes Valley with their family just two days before they were hospitalised.
"We'd like to hear from anyone who may know how these children sustained these injuries," Cotton said.
Anyone who has seen or heard suspicious activity at or near either property on Friday, March 8 and the days prior is urged to contact police on 105 - quoting file number 240308/4647. Alternatively, call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
