An independent investigation into the handling of 111 calls from a woman in rural Bay of Plenty has found that police responded 'appropriately”.

On the afternoon of December 24, 2020, a woman made five calls to 111 stating she had been assaulted and had concerns for a family member's children.

After the calls were made, the woman returned to the property with associates and a fatal assault occurred.

The woman's daughter complained to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, saying that had the police attended sooner, the fatal incident would have been prevented.

The authority found that police responded appropriately on the basis of the information they were provided.

'We accept that an appropriate plan was agreed with the woman to ensure her safety and to make a later statement to police,” says authority chair, Judge Colin Doherty.

'Police could not have reasonably anticipated the subsequent incident that resulted in death.”

In a statement released this morning, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says following the 111 calls, staff established the woman was not injured and was safe.

'They also found that the woman's concerns about the children were general, and not pertaining to their immediate safety.

'The authority found police responded appropriately on the basis of the information received.

'Police prioritises calls for service, so the most urgent calls where there is a real risk to safety are attended first.”

Tim says the calls did not indicate an emergency response was required, and a plan had been made with the woman to take a statement from her.

'We agree with the IPCA that we could not have reasonably anticipated the events that followed.

'Police would like to be clear that when there is an immediate risk to life or property, we will respond.

'We encourage anyone who is in immediate danger to call 111.”