31 Oct 2024

Weather deaths: Hearing to decide on what issues coroner will consider

8:16 am on 31 October 2024
Slips, house damage in Karekare in West Auckland caused by Cyclone Gabrielle

Slips caused by Cyclone Gabrielle claimed multiple deaths, which the coroner will now examine. Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell

A two-day hearing will decide what issues will be considered by the coroner looking into the deaths of people in last year's Auckland weather events.

The Auckland region was devastated in mass floods, leading to widespread damage and the deaths of four people, which began on the evening of 27 January 2023.

Two volunteer fire-fighters were killed by a slip in the coastal community of Muriwai during Cyclone Gabrielle a few weeks later.

The scope hearing begins this morning and is set down for two days at the Auckland District Court.

Coroner Erin Woolley will determine which issues should be considered during the joint inquests.

A second scope hearing will be held next month in Hastings.

During the hearings, the coroner will hear submissions about which Auckland issues they believe should form part of the coronial inquiry and inquest.

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