Inquest into runaway teen's death delayed

File Photo / NZ Herald

The coronial inquest into the death of an Auckland teenager who died while hiding from authorities after running away from a Child Youth and Family caregiver has been delayed.

The inquest into 13-year-old Isaiah Elu Paora Nathan's death was due to be held in Auckland tomorrow.

But Coroner Katherine Greig said she had received further evidence from CYF about the circumstances of the teenager's death, particularly the events following him absconding from his caregiver's home in September 2010.

"Having reviewed this evidence I have formed the view that further evidence is required for the inquest - from organisations and individuals from whom evidence has not currently been obtained."

That evidence was to to come from the police and two social workers employed by CYF, she said.

If coroners become aware of people who have a significant interest in an inquiry, by law they must allow that person time to prepare for and attend the hearing.

"Clearly, it is not possible to give sufficient notice and obtain the evidence required in time for the inquest, which is set down for tomorrow," Coroner Greig said.

The inquest was postponed to early next year.

The Manurewa teenager was killed in December 2010 when he drove a stolen car into a South Auckland fence.

Four passengers, some injured, ran from the scene following the crash, but were later found by police.

Witnesses said the car, which caused damage along a 100m stretch, was travelling about 100km/h when it crashed.

Child, Youth and Family general manager operations Marama Wiki said Isaiah had been in CYF custody since April 2009 and had "absconded" from a caregiver's Kaitaia home on September 20.

An extended family member told CYF the young man was being hidden by his family for at least some of the time he was missing.