At a press conference, police described the incident as a "tragic isolated incident".

Police investigating the deaths of three South African children in New Zealand have charged the children's mother with murder. According to the New Zealand news website Stuff, Lauren Dickason, has been charged with the murder of her three children, two-year-old twins Maya and Karla and six-year-old Liane. The family, who were originally from Pretoria in South Africa, had just moved to New Zealand. A police statement said that Ms Dickason will appear before the Tiamru District Court on Saturday morning. During a press conference, Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said: "Police would like to reassure the community that this was a tragic isolated incident and we are not seeking anyone else." The family had been in the town for just a week after leaving managed isolation and quarantine following their move. Ms Dickason's parents told Stuff that they were devastated by the tragedy, and appealed for privacy at this difficult time. They said: "The extended families are in a state of shock as we try to understand what happened. We ask for your prayers and support during this very difficult time.

"We would also request privacy as we battle to come to terms with what has happened.

"We would like to thank the staff of Timaru Hospital for their support at this difficult time ... and the New Zealand police for their attention to this matter."