How to report a death to the coroner
You can report a death to the coroner using Death Documents(external link) Death Documents includes screening questions that will help you determine if it is necessary to report the death to the coroner.
If the coroner decides to investigate the death, you must notify the police of the death if they are not already involved. Contact the police by phoning the non-emergency number 105 and ask to be connected to the local District Command Centre.
The National Initial Investigation Office (NIIO) is part of the Ministry of Justice and staff there are available to provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can ring NIIO for help.
National Initial Investigation Office
Phone: 0800 266 800
International calls: +64 4 910 4482
Email: NIIO@justice.govt.nz
After you report a death to the coroner
Email relevant medical records to NIIO
Immediately after reporting a death to the coroner using Death Documents you will be prompted to email the key medical records or summary related to the episode of care directly before the death you are reporting to NIIO.
The coroner will need these records to review your report.
If you are in a hospital setting, send the Clinical Summary/Discharge Summary.
The coroner’s office may contact you to request additional medical records.
The coroner may decide to investigate the reported death
If a coroner “accepts jurisdiction” over the death, they will take responsibility for investigating the cause and circumstances of the death.
There is always a coroner on duty, and they will let you know whether they decide to investigate the death as soon as they can.
Leave the tūpāpaku (body) as it was at the time of death
Leave the tūpāpaku as it was at the time of death in case a post mortem examination is required.
Although you may move the tūpāpaku if necessary, do not wash them or remove any medical devices. Medical devices include cannulae, catheters, central lines, ET and NG tubes, and devices attached to these like IV bags, syringes, drain bottles and bags, and urine bags.
You may be able to make an exception to the general rule if there are special circumstances. Examples of special circumstances include situations where you need to remove a needle so the tūpāpaku can be safely handled. Where whānau desire the removal of medical equipment, or in any other situations where you are uncertain, please contact NIIO for support.
What happens if you get it wrong?
If, at any time following a death, you consider that a death should have been reported to the coroner but was not (for whatever reason), you should report the death to the coroner. You can report a death to the coroner even after an MCCD has been completed. You will need to ‘Revoke’ the MCCD in Death Documents before completing a Coroner Report for the death in Death Documents.
You can contact the National Initial Investigation Office (NIIO) and ask to be connected with a clinical advisor or the coroner if you are unsure.
If you require assistance using Death Documents please refer to Help Using Death Documents (external link)
Alternatively, you can contact the Help Desk on 0800 855 066.