Quake inquest could go private

Photo / NZ Herald

The Chief Coroner is looking at conducting the remaining inquests of Christchurch earthquake victims behind closed doors.

Judge Neil MacLean says it's been tough for the families and for everyone who's following the process to hear the details that emerged publicly yesterday.

He wants to know if the process has been cathartic for the families, because he has to make a decision as to whether it continues publicly.

"Does there come a point, which I think there may come, where we can say after a discussion with each individual family, would you like us just to deal with this less publicly."

He says the results would still be publicly available.

Judge MacLean is also thanking police for their help in the process

"The police have just been amazing," he told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking.

"By law they have a statutory function to support the coronial system, they've not just complied with the letter of that, they've gone way beyond."

Neil MacLean says the inquests are delving into subjects that don't have answers, such as "why him?" and "why her?"

- Newstalk ZB