Family struggling with aftermath of Myers Park playground attack, father says

The father of a five-year-old girl attacked at a central Auckland playground says the whole family is struggling with the psychological aftermath.

A 20-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of the girl at Myers Park playground won't be tried until 2028.

The girl was critically injured on Sunday 25 October at 4.45pm.

She had since recovered at Auckland's Starship Hospital and been released.

The accused man made his second appearance at the High Court in Auckland on Wednesday morning, but did not enter a plea.

His interim name suppression was extended and his trial was set for 8 February 2028.

The girl's father has set up a Givealittle page seeking financial support for his daughter and family.

He said his daughter had numerous lacerations to her head, along with injuries to two fingers.

The money would be used for long-term family recovery - which could include day-to-day support, therapy, and potential cosmetic surgery.

Speaking to Stuff in late October, the girl's father said she had post-traumatic stress disorder in her own way.

"Because she is young and children at that age undergo it in a different way compared to adults, so most of the time she behaves normally but from time to time she asks questions about what has happened and similar things," he told Stuff.

The alleged attacker was taken to hospital in serious condition following the incident as a result of self-inflicted injuries.

Police said the child and the accused did not know each other.