The coroner's finding

This is usually the last step in the coronial process.

After the inquest hearing, the coroner will write a report on what they have learned about the death. This is called ‘the coroner’s finding’. It is an official record of the coroner’s decision about the cause and circumstances of your loved one’s death. The report will include all the confirmed facts the coroner learned through either the hearing on the papers or at an inquest. (See previous section about their investigation.) The coroner might also make comments or recommendations about how similar deaths could be prevented in the future.

The coroner’s finding is a public document so anyone in the family, whānau, friends, members of the public, and the media is allowed to read it. There are times when the coroner can restrict publication of parts of a finding, but the rest of it will remain public.

Immediate family members can ask their coronial case manager for a copy of the finding to be sent to them. If you think it might be helpful to have someone to discuss it with, your Victim Support Worker can read through the report and go through it with you.

Other useful websites and information

When Someone Dies Suddenly. A guide to coronial services in New Zealand.

More about the coronial process