The social worker named in the horrific case of abused toddler Moko Rangitoheriri has spoken out for the first time, saying she feels blame for what happened.

The 3-year-old Taupo boy died after being kicked, slapped, stomped on and bitten over several weeks by Tania Shailer and David Haerewa, who had been entrusted to care for him.

The pair had originally been charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a charge downgrade which has sparked outrage.

Trina Marama, the Maori Women’s Refuge social worker named in the case, spoke to Maori TV’s Native Affairs, which screens tonight.

She alleged a web of lies was created to hide the abuse that led to Moko’s death last August.

“People in general are looking for someone to blame for Moko and I am it. I am it,” she told Native Affairs.

“There were no signs or alarming signs that Moko was being abused.  If I could have helped Moko I would have in a heartbeat. I would have picked him up and taken him home.”

Ms Marama was working for the Maori Women’s Refuge which helped Tania find a home in Taupo to escape a violent past in 2013 and continued to work with Tania in 2015.

She denied ever being told about the abuse but raised concerns with Child Youth and Family that Tania wasn’t coping with her own four children as well as caring for Moko and his sister. 

“I felt I had left it in the right hands. I had taken it to CYF,” she said.

CYF social workers, who dealt with Moko's care, have not been publicly named.​​