Coroner warns parents after baby's death

A coroner has taken the unusual step of releasing the details of an Auckland baby's death, as a warning to other parents.

Coroner Gordon Matenga has suppressed information about the Mt Roskill family involved, but wants other details made public.

The three-week-old Tongan boy was asphyxiated while sharing a bed with his mother.

Mr Matenga says there is plenty of information available on the dangers of doing so, but it can be difficult fighting against traditional values and methods.

He says the battle must be fought as the death was avoidable.

Mr Matenga says the baby boy was well cared for and a loved member of a loving family. He described a home situation where 19 people lived in the same house.

The baby, his three-year-old sister and their mother slept on a fold down couch in the lounge.

- NEWSTALK ZB