Coroners Court
This website will give you a general idea of what you can expect to happen when a death is referred to the Coroners Court.
Police always inform a coroner when someone dies unexpectedly, violently or in suspicious circumstances. If a general practitioner (GP) or doctor is unsure what caused a person’s death, they will report it to the coroner.
The Coroners Court is the only court that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Coroners are the judicial officers of the Coroners Court. A coroner will find out when, where, how and why the death happened. They’ll also work out whether anything can be done differently so that similar deaths can be prevented.
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Information for Families »
The immediate family of the person who died have the right to be kept informed and be given certain documents relating to the coronial process.
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What happens during a post mortem »
Find out what’s involved in a post mortem, where it happens, how long it takes and what happens after.
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What to expect during an inquiry »
Find out how a coroner decides whether to hold an inquiry and what’s involved in one.
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Suicide »
A coroner will investigate every suspected suicide and make a formal finding, either at an inquest or through a hearing on papers.
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Findings & recommendations »
Coroners’ findings and recommendations are usually open to the public in order to publicise lessons learnt from the deaths they investigate.
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About the Coroners Court »
Coronial Services supports the Chief Coroner and up to 20 coroners.
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Information for doctors and nurse practitioners »
These pages provide guidance for doctors and nurse practitioners about when and how to report a death to the coroner.
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Media »
The media can watch and report on most NZ court and tribunal hearings, including the Coroners Court, although there can be restrictions especially around suicide.
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Christchurch Masjidain Attack Inquiry »
Information and ongoing updates about the Christchurch Masjid (Mosque) Attacks Coronial Inquiry process.
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Whakaari-White Island Eruption Coronial Inquiry »
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Contact the Coroners Court »
Find out how to report a death, request information, get media information or contact 1 of our offices.
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