New Zealand Legislation: Acts

26 Matters to be taken into account under section 25(3)

• (1) The coroner must take into account the matters specified in subsection (2) in determining—

  • (a) whether to authorise a person under section 25(3) to view, touch, or remain with or near the body; and

  • (b) any conditions imposed under section 25(3)(b) on the person's viewing, touching, or remaining with or near the body.

  (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) are—

  • (a) any concerns the New Zealand Police or, if a post-mortem of the body has been directed under section 31, the pathologist may have about a pathologist's ability to determine the cause of death being limited by people viewing, touching, or remaining with or near the body:

  • (b) all risks of contamination of evidence if the death appears to have been, or may appear later to have been, a result of conduct that constitutes a criminal offence:

  • (c) all risks to the security of the body:

  • (d) whether suitable staff are available to supervise visitors to the mortuary or morgue where the body is kept:

  • (e) all risks of visitors to that mortuary or morgue being contaminated, infected, or otherwise harmed by exposure to or contact with the body:

  • (f) whether suitable rooms and facilities for family or whānau are available at that mortuary or morgue:

  • (g) the need to ensure compliance with all applicable legal requirements relating to health and safety:

  • (h) any other matters the coroner considers relevant.