A Christchurch man still waiting for answers on his son’s suicide, says whoever the new Government is – they need to fix the coronial system.

Neither Labour or National are proposing any review of the Coroners Act – which caps the number of working coroners at 20.

But as reported by Newstalk ZB journalist Amber Allot, the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust says this situation has families waiting as long as seven years.

Liam Booth died exactly three years ago tomorrow.

His father Geoff says his Coronial hearing still has no set date.

He told Chris Lynch there are things he and his family still needs to know like where the failings were in the mental health system, and whether anything could be learned from Liam’s death that could help others.

He said the law which only allows for 20 Coroners is outdated and needs to move with the very sad statistics of suicide.

In May 2019, Justice Minister Andrew Little announced $7.5 million over four years for eight relief-coroners to help reduce waiting times.

Mr Little acknowledged the number of deaths reported to the coroner continued to increase year on year.

He told Maori Television “the resourcing of the coronial system needs to be improved and these relief-coroners will go a long way towards reducing how long it takes for a case to be completed.”

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• Helpline: 1737

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.