Coroners Act 2008

A coroner investigating a death must find, if possible—

the identity of the deceased; and

the cause of death; and

unless subsection (2) applies, the circumstances in which the death occurred; and

any other prescribed particulars.

Whether it is possible or not, a coroner need not make a finding with respect to the circumstances in which a death occurred if—

an inquest into the death was not held; and

the coroner finds that—

the deceased was not, immediately before the person died, a person placed in custody or care; and

there is no public interest to be served in making a finding regarding those circumstances.

A coroner may comment on any matter connected with the death, including matters relating to public health and safety or the administration of justice.