December 19, 2018
Coroners to pay more attention to Māori
Coroners will have to pay greater heed to Māori cultural practices with the passing yesterday of the Coroners (Access to Body of Dead Person) Amendment Bill.
Justice Minister Andrew Little says the Bill will ensure tikanga Māori and other ethnic cultural beliefs are considered and respected by the coronial system.
It provides an explicit requirement for coroners to consider cultural considerations when determining who can view, touch, or remain near a tūpāpaku.
This already happens in practice and is included in guidance for coroners, but was not a legislative requirement.
The Bill implements a recommendation of a Māori Affairs Committee inquiry into the issue.
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