Great Barrier Island death referred to coroner

10:49 am on 18 December 2023
Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island. Photo: RNZ/Carol Stiles

A person died after a fire on Great Barrier Island last week and their death has now been referred to the coroner.

Police were called to assist Fire and Emergency NZ at a Motairehe Road property at around 12.45am on last Friday morning following a report of a fire.

They found a person deceased at the scene.

A scene examination has been completed and the fire was not being treated as suspicious, police said.

Officers were still working to notify next of kin.

Police said it wanted to acknowledge and thank the Great Barrier Island community for the assistance and support they provided to emergency services responding to the incident.