KEY POINTS:
The police inquiry into the death of Folole Muliaga is understood to have contradicted the family's claims about what her son told the contractor who cut off the power.
The Weekend Herald understands the police inquiry established that the son did not inform the contractor about the seriousness of her condition as the family have claimed.
It also established the Muliagas' power had been cut off up to four times before the disconnection last month that the family say led to her death.
The police inquiry also found that the contractor had used his discretion the same day and did not cut off the power at another home where there was a sick child.
Mrs Muliaga, 44, died less than three hours after power to their home and her oxygen machine was cut off by a contractor for Mercury Energy because of an overdue power bill of $168.40.
Her family have repeatedly said her 20-year-old son, Ietitaia, told the Mercury Energy contractor that she needed the power to live.
The family have said that Mrs Muliaga herself told the contractor she needed oxygen and that the contractor was taken into the lounge and saw the oxygen machine.
Their spokesman, Brenden Sheehan, a relative, last night said the police never even asked the boys what was said to the contractor.
Mr Sheehan said he had been curious to know why police never asked "the pivotal question", but was told by officers they did not wish to "lead" the boys.
Mr Sheehan said he was unaware of any previous disconnections at the Muliaga home.
Police this week said they found no evidence to justify any charge in relation to the power company, its contractors or staff. The case has been referred to the Auckland coroner. The date for the inquest has yet to be set.
Spokesmen for the police and Mercury Energy declined to comment yesterday.
