She said there had also been issues when someone died overseas, especially in Australia.
"With so many Maori living around the world it is important that there are protocols in place should tupapaku need to be brought home."
The inquiry will look at the current powers and practice of police, pathologists, coroners and funeral directors in allowing access to whanau. "We are also aware that whanau experience particular problems when whanau members die overseas, particularly in Australia, in accessing the body and returning it to Aotearoa."
While some agencies already catered for Maori practices with the dead, chair Nuk Korako said the aim of the inquiry was to establish whether any law changes were needed to ensure best practice in allowing whanau access was nationally consistent.
It will also look at the tikanga and current law relating to the handling of the body and funeral practices, including whether traditional methods can be used rather than embalming.
The committee is seeking submissions on the bill and Ms Davidson urged those who had faced problems after a death to speak out.
Submissions close on Wednesday June 29.