Chief Coroner of New Zealand

Neil MacLean QSO (cropped)

Deborah Marshall 2020 (cropped)

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Chief Coroner of New Zealand is a significant judicial officer in New Zealand responsible for overseeing and coordinating the coronial service. The role was established to ensure that inquiries into sudden or unexplained deaths are conducted efficiently, uniformly, and with a high standard of care. The Chief Coroner provides leadership and direction to coroners throughout the country, aiming to improve the quality of coronial investigations and inquests.

Role and Responsibilities

The Chief Coroner's primary responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the conduct of coronial investigations across New Zealand.
• Ensuring that coronial services are delivered effectively and sensitively to meet the needs of the bereaved.
• Providing guidance and support to other coroners in New Zealand.
• Promoting consistency in the findings and recommendations made by coroners.
• Liaising with government and non-government organizations on matters relating to death and public health and safety.
• Reporting annually to the Minister of Justice on the operation of the coronial system.

Appointment

The Chief Coroner is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice. The position requires a person with significant legal, judicial, or medical experience, and the ability to manage and lead the coronial service effectively.

History

The position of Chief Coroner was established under the Coroners Act 2006, which was a significant reform of the coronial system in New Zealand. The Act aimed to modernize and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of coronial investigations. The first Chief Coroner was appointed in 2007, marking the beginning of a new era in the management and oversight of death investigations in New Zealand.

Notable Chief Coroners

Since its establishment, several distinguished individuals have served as Chief Coroner of New Zealand. These individuals have contributed significantly to the development and improvement of the coronial service, ensuring that it operates with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.

Challenges and Developments

The role of the Chief Coroner involves navigating complex and sensitive issues, including dealing with sudden, unexplained, or violent deaths. The Chief Coroner also plays a crucial role in identifying trends and issues related to public health and safety that arise from coronial investigations and inquests. This includes making recommendations to prevent future deaths in similar circumstances.

See Also

• Coroner
• Judiciary of New Zealand
• Ministry of Justice (New Zealand)
• Public health and safety