Additional coroner appointed for Auckland

An additional Auckland coroner has been appointed as the region faces an increasing demand for coronial services.

Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson today announced Sarn Herdson as the fourth coroner for the region.

Ms Herdson was appointed as one of the two full-time coroners for Auckland in 2001, but stood down in 2007 for personal reasons.

She will commence duties as a full-time coroner from February 7.

Auckland coroners currently account for about a quarter of coronial cases in New Zealand, and with the continuing demographic shift north the demand on the Auckland coroners is increasing, Mr Finlayson said.

- NZPA