An overloaded coronial system, creaking under the pressure of cases requiring investigation, is being described as fundamentally flawed and aggravating families' grief.
Ministry of Justice figures obtained by Stuff show the number of inquests have dropped dramatically from 2012 when 330 unexpected deaths were investigated.
By 2019, that number was down to just 62, and in 2020 only 24 deaths were investigated - however Covid-19 lockdowns were a big factor.
Wait times have also ballooned; with it taking an average of 877 days for an inquiry to be conducted, and 1451 days for an inquest.
Minister for Courts Aupito William Sio has promised to reform the coronial system; Kathryn speaks with him about the progress being made, as well as Anne Stevens QC, a barrister in Dunedin who represents families in the Coroners Court.
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
