NEW ZEALAND – A 2-year-old girl, wearing only a diaper, was discovered inside a suitcase stowed in the luggage compartment of a bus. On Sunday (August 3, 2025), authorities in the settlement of Kaiwaka, north of Auckland, responded quickly after the find. A 27-year-old woman, who was a passenger on the same bus, has been arrested on charges relating to the ill treatment and neglect of a child.
The incident came to light during one of the bus’s scheduled stops. A passenger asked the driver for access to the luggage compartment. It was then that the driver noticed movement coming from one of the bags. Suspicious, the driver opened the suitcase and was stunned to see the little girl inside wearing just a diaper.
The child, who had been in the suitcase for nearly an hour, was reported to be very hot from being enclosed, but she appeared physically unharmed. She was immediately taken to the hospital for medical care and remained under supervision on Sunday night local time.
Following the incident, police arrested the 27-year-old woman and charged her with ill treatment of a child. She was scheduled to appear before the North Shore District Court on Monday. Law enforcement officials have not released further identifying details at this stage.
The local bus company, InterCity, confirmed that one of their buses was involved in the incident and clarified that children under 3 years of age can travel for free if they sit on an adult’s lap.
This troubling case has sparked both relief that the child survived and concern over how such a situation could happen. Authorities are now investigating further details to ensure the safety and well-being of the little girl.
This incident underscores the significance of vigilance within communities and highlights the important role played by transport staff and members of the public in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. New Zealand authorities remain committed to thoroughly addressing all aspects of this case.
