The family of a toddler killed in Southland say heavy suppressions have left the boy invisible

RNZ reports the child's mother's boyfriend, who had a long history of violent offending, inflicted fatal injuries on the child a few days after he was bailed to live at the boy's home in 2015.

Eight years of reviews and coronial hearings have shown state officials failed the boy, but neither they nor any family members can be identified.

The High Court has ordered the suppressions be made permanent.

An aunt says the family doesn't agree with the ruling, arguing there's more public scrutiny of child homicides when the youngster's face and name were known, like in the current case of Lower Hutt toddler, Baby Ru.