People involved in the Coronial Inquiry

If the information you're looking for isn't on this page, or if you have any other questions, please contact Coronial Services by emailing coronial.response@justice.govt.nz or phoning 0800 88 88 20.

This page profiles key people working on the coronial inquiry.

Deputy Chief Coroner Brigitte Windley

Deputy Chief Coroner Brigitte Windley was appointed as a coroner in 2015 and spent her first year in Dunedin before returning to Wellington. She was appointed as Deputy Chief Coroner in July 2023. 

Deputy Chief Coroner Windley became a lawyer in 1995 and went on to gain a Master of Laws (International Law and Politics) with honours in 2010.

Deputy Chief Coroner Windley has held a variety of legal and investigative roles in her career in both government and private legal practice sectors, in New Zealand and overseas. She is a highly experienced coroner and has conducted a number of complex inquiries involving recommendations covering a range of issues and Interested Parties.

Abigail van Echten

Abigail is counsel assisting the Court in relation to the Masjidain attack inquiry.

Abigail was admitted to the bar in 2012 and has a background in criminal and public law litigation, as well as investigations.  She has appeared at all levels of courts in New Zealand and has had a variety of legal roles, including acting for the Crown in some roles while in others holding the Government to account.

She has a particular interest in the coronial jurisdiction, assisting the Court to find the truth of the circumstances of death in order to best protect the living. She also contributes to a number of legal publications, including in relation to the Crimes Act 1961.

Ian Murray 

Ian is counsel assisting the Court, acting as lead counsel on Issue 10 of the coronial inquiry.

Issue 10 examines whether the firearms licensing process followed by Police in issuing the offender’s firearms licence can be causally connected to the attack, and therefore to the deaths, and if so, whether any identified deficiencies in that process have now been addressed by changes to the law or process changes by relevant entities.

Ian is a highly experienced lawyer with almost 30 years’ experience, predominantly representing the Crown across all courts and tribunals. He has been a crown prosecutor and worked in the Crown Law Office. His principal areas of practice are criminal law, public and administrative law, professional regulation and disciplinary matters, and Health and Safety-related offending.

 Ian gained his law degree with honours from the University of Otago in 1993 and was admitted to the bar in 1994.  

Wendy Aldred KC

Wendy is a barrister practising in public law, regulatory and civil litigation based in Wellington. She was admitted to the Bar in 1995, and was employed in private law firms in New Zealand and England, and at the Crown Law Office, before joining the independent Bar in 2007.

Wendy appears before the New Zealand courts at all levels as well as in specialist tribunals and disciplinary authorities, and has been engaged as counsel assisting the Court in cases before the High Court and Court of Appeal. She has regularly been involved in coronial inquiries, including representing families, organisations, and medical practitioners in inquests.

She graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1994 with a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in French language and Classics, and holds a Masters degree in Law with honours from Victoria University. She was appointed a King's Counsel in 2024.

Alysha McClintock

Alysha McClintock is counsel assisting the Court in the Christchurch masjidain attack coronial inquiry. A lawyer since 1999, Alysha has worked on a wide range of cases throughout her career, in Wellington, Auckland and the United Kingdom.  Her work has included prosecuting high-profile violence and sexual violence cases. She also advises on a wide range of legal issues in her regulatory enforcement practice.

Alysha is assisted by her associate, Danielle Houghton.

Roz Fraser, Family Liaison

Roz is available as a first point of contact for the families of the deceased or Interested Parties who need support navigating the coronial process and engaging with Coronial Services. Roz can speak to you on the phone or meet in person.

Contact Roz:

Coronial staff supporting the Coroner

The Coroner also has support from Ministry of Justice Coronial Services staff including Legal and Research Counsel and Case Managers. 

You can contact the Case Managers by phoning 0800 88 88 20.

Victim Support is available to provide support to families of the deceased and victims

Victim Support is available to assist families through the coronial inquiry process. You can find out more about Victim Support at https://victimsupport.org.nz/(external link)

 
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