KEY POINTS:
Thirteen new full-time coroners have been appointed under the new Coroners Act.
They are: Brandt Shortland (Whangarei), Katharine Greig (Auckland), Murray Jamieson (Auckland), Peter Ryan (Hamilton), Gordon Matenga (Hamilton), Wallace Bain (Rotorua), Christopher Devonport (Hastings), Carla na Nagara (Palmerston North), Tim Scott (Palmerston North), Ian Smith (Wellington), Richard McElrea (Christchurch), Sue Johnson (Christchurch), and David Crerar (Dunedin).
A third coroner to be based in Auckland will be appointed later.
The new act established the office of chief coroner - Neil MacLean was appointed in December - supported by up to 20 legally qualified full-time coroners.
The 14 coroners plus the chief coroner will replace the 55 part-time coroners. They will take office when the new coronial system comes into force on July 1.
- NZPA
