People involved
A number of people may be involved in ascertaining the cause of death and understanding what has happened. The following gives a brief overview of some of the people you may be dealing with.
Coroner
The coroner will carry out an inquisitorial process to ensure that the identity of the deceased and the cause of death are known, to establish when and where the person died and to understand the causes and circumstances of the death. At the end of this process, the coroner may make recommendations or comments that, if drawn to public attention, may reduce the chances of the occurrence of deaths in similar circumstances.
Coronial Services Co-ordinator
Each death reported to a coroner will be supported and managed by a Coronial Services Co-ordinator. The Coronial Services Co-ordinator will manage all matters referred to the coroner including scheduling, court taking, circuit support, assembling all inquiry information and notifications to the immediate family.
New Zealand Police
The Police will be called immediately to every sudden, unexplained or violent death. This is a legal requirement, as the cause of death will need to be investigated. A police officer will attend the incident and will obtain sufficient details to advise the coroner of the facts of the matter. The more information Police can initially obtain will assist the coroner and other staff in making decisions as part of the coronial process.
An inquest officer will receive a report of the death and, in consultation with the coroner, will determine if further enquiries are needed. A police officer may follow up with the family to obtain statements and undertake investigations, either on behalf of the coroner or for any possible Police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
If for any reason you cannot contact the coroner or the Coronial Services Co-ordinator, you should attempt to contact the inquest officer or the attending police officer.
Pathologist
If the coroner decides that a post-mortem is necessary to determine the cause of death, a pathologist will carry this out at a hospital mortuary. A pathologist is a specialist medical practitioner.
Once a post-mortem has been directed the deceased will be transported by a duty funeral director from the place of death to the nearest hospital mortuary or other place of safety.
Funeral Director
After a coroner has been notified of the death, a duty funeral director will be directed by the Police to transport the deceased from the place of death to a hospital mortuary or other place of safety. This is done at no cost to the family, and the family is under no obligation to use the same funeral director for any ongoing funeral arrangements.
Victim Support
Victim Support is a community-based organisation available to help victims of crime and trauma. The police officer who attends or advises you of the death will offer to contact Victim Support on your behalf, or you may choose to contact them yourself through your local police station. They know a lot about their community and can also refer you to other groups or agencies that can assist you, your family and friends at this time.
