A homicide investigation has been launched as the government releases figures on the increase of child abuse in New Zealand.

A six-month-old from Raumati Beach died last night in Wellington Hospital after being admitted on Monday with serious head injuries.

A man has been charged with assault following her death, and a homicide investigation is underway.

Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board chair Fiona Vining believes Raumati Beach is generally a great area, and a safe, close knit community.

"It's a place where they do know their neighbours so there will be a lot of people who will be effected," she said.

"People are very good at looking after each other and I know that our police are very quick to act on anything they hear. So for this to happen without warning is sad."

As the investigation gets underway, figures have been released showing an increase in the number of children being assaulted.

Government statistics reveal 3144 children were physically abused in the year to March - 33 more than reported the previous year.

Labour MP Jacinda Adern said police stats suggest the situation could be even worse.

Labour put the number of violent assaults on children in the past year at a record 5397, up 3.5 percent on last year.