"Grief is a journey, often perilous and without clear direction, that must be taken. The experience of grieving cannot be ordered or categorized, hurried or controlled, pushed aside or ignored indefinitely. It is inevitable as breathing, as change, as love. It may be postponed, but it will not be denied."

Excerpted from SAFE PASSAGES by Molly Fumia © 1992, 2003
with permission of Conari Press, imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser USA.
To order: www.conari.com

The Coronial Services of New Zealand serves the community through investigating circumstances and causes of death in a respectful and professional manner. The findings of these investigations will be used to make recommendations for the improvement of public safety and to prevent deaths in similar circumstances.

This website has been designed to help you understand the work of a coroner, the operation of the Coronial Services Unit and the processes involved during an inquest. It contains frequently asked questions, provides links to support agencies that can help you through the often confusing and emotional process, and advice on how to find out what your rights and entitlements are.

Over the transition period of the introduction of the Coroners Act 2006, two coronial systems will run side by side until all inquiries into deaths that occurred prior to midnight on 30 June 2007 are closed or handed over to the Coronial Services of New Zealand. Coroners who were working prior to 1 July 2007 and who are warranted under the Coroners Act 1988 may continue to close out those inquiries that they opened. If you are in any doubt as to which Coroner is now dealing with the death of your loved one, please contact your local Coronial Services of New Zealand office and they will be able to advise you who is managing the inquiry.