Coroners’ cases taking far too long

Coroners take too long to publish their findings.

This may be due to a lack of numbers of coroners, or a lack of resources. It may be that the system itself is faulty.

I believe that it would be insensitive to hold hearings too close to the death of a person, even though the relevant facts would be painfully easier to remember. Time sometimes gives a balance.

But I have noted that it is taking up to five years for some coroners to publish their findings. This is absolutely far too long where time is of the essence, and recommendations as to the future are being made.

For example, I have been on the Hutt Valley District Health Board for 10 years, and I can definitely tell you it is difficult for all when coroners’ findings on any death by medical misadventure or fault are published late.

Medical staff seek to make improvements immediately after any event, and the coroner needs to be not far behind with any further findings and recommendations.

Things have to change in the coroner administration. The Government indicated reform in this area, but there is no evidence of it happening. DAVID OGDEN

Lower Hutt their sacrifices for future generations (Letters, November 15).

I was born after the war to a father who was a prisoner of both Italy and Germany. He also spent a year on the run after Italy capitulated.

He came home starved and very ill. My mother was in no doubt that his poor health and premature death were hastened by his appalling experiences.

My whole early life was shaped by these circumstances and it was not until many years after his death that I understood just what had made my Dad the man he was, a kind and loving father, but very quick to anger.

Some years ago, while visiting Ballarat, in Australia, I chanced upon a lovely memorial to Australia’s known POWs.

I wrote to Helen Clark, prime minister at the time, asking if the government would consider such a memorial here and the answer was no. My own view is that these sacrifices were made for all of us and a public memorial would be more appropriate than medals to the descendants.

MARGARET McKAY Lower Hutt [abridged]