The 1-year-old Christchurch baby at the centre of a homicide investigation has been named by police.
Aaliyah Ashlyn Chand, who was born in New Zealand and is of Indian decent, died at Christchurch Hospital at 8.30pm on Wednesday with her parents by her bedside.
Police launched a major investigation after the girl was admitted to hospital by her regular babysitter with help from her neighbour on Tuesday night.
Police are awaiting the results of a post mortem that was carried out yesterday.
"This is a tragic time for the family and they have requested that their privacy be respected," Detective Senior Sergeant Anderson said. "We (Canterbury police and victim support) are continuing to support the family."
Scene examinations have been completed at the babysitter's property on Worcester St and the parents' address in Addington.
"Investigators are continuing to gather and collate information relating to this case," Mr Anderson said.
"We are not in a position to release any more information relating to this active investigation at this time."
Police say they will not speculate on what the outcome of this ongoing investigation will be or whether anyone would face charges.
Parents Anjani and Dev Chand today posted a moving tribute on the website, Heaven Address, to the baby who had just celebrated her first birthday.
"On a sunny summers day, December 29, 2013, you were born, a little baby girl sent to us all the way from heaven," the tribute says.
"You grew up way too fast, before we knew it, it was your first birthday, a whole year had passed. You began to walk, talk, laugh and smile. You became the smartest girl I knew, your momma always teaching you new tricks to do.
"No matter what you said or did one look at that cute face, and you were off the hook. No one could ever stay mad at you. Rarely ever did you fuss or cry.
"You learned how to say mama; it was so special to me. No matter how much they made fun of it, I didn't care because you knew my name and called me it constantly.
"Seeing your little smile, even if it was just one look, and even the coldest heart would be warmed. Just one look, that's all it took. No matter if you were young or old, short or tall, she'd love you with no problem at all.
"I never imagined what life would be without you here, so why did life have to play out this way? Early morning of January 7, 2014 we lost you."
The tribute tells of the emotion in seeing her in a casket, looking "so peaceful just like you were sleeping".
"As I stop at your casket and pray, down on my knees I ask for help, I don't know what to do without you here. We have all missed you so much since the day you went away.
"I know I must be strong, not for me but for everyone else.
"Without you here none of us know what to do. You were taken from our lives way too fast. Come back please, our little Munni we miss you.
"You were our little miracle, but now you are our angel in the sky watching over each one of us.
"This isn't goodbye forever, just for now, but we will always be wishing for you to come back, to see your smiling face one last time.
"Remember I love you, for forever and a day and nothing will ever change that.
"Love from Anjani & Dev, Isabel, Anisha, Ishaan and Avishek."
