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Police will not charge anyone over the death of an Auckland woman who died after the power was cut to her Mangere home. Folole Muliaga, 44, died last month, just hours after the electricity to her home and oxygen machine was disconnected over an unpaid power bill.
Debate has since raged throughout New Zealand, as the public and politicians sought to establish who was to blame for the tragedy.
The contractor who turned off the power, Mercury Energy, Mrs Muliaga's family and the police have been subject to scrutiny over the past weeks.
But police yesterday said they would not charge anyone.
"There is no evidence to justify any charge in relation to the power company, their contractors or staff members," a police statement said.
"The police investigation will be referred to the office of the Auckland Coroner. There will be no interviews given and this will be the final comment made by police on this matter."
Police have remained tight-lipped on the investigation despite criticism of racism and cultural insensitivity from Muliaga family spokesman Brenden Sheehan.
Police Association president Greg O'Connor said officers on the investigation team were upset at the accusations.
He said police welcomed any inquiry into their investigation.
"We'll show that we've been nothing but professional."
On behalf of the Muliaga family, Mr Sheehan said the family was "very, very pleased" no charges would be laid.
"The contractor can move forward with his life and that helps us move on with ours as well."
Mr Sheehan said the family could now focus on the Muliaga children and the upcoming inquest. They would still pursue a compensation claim and a complaint with the Police Commissioner about the investigation.
Craig Shepherd, chief executive of VirCom, the contracting company which cut the power, said the company's sympathy was with the Muliaga family but refused to comment further.
