The Coroners Act will now account for stronger consideration of tikanga Māori and ethnic communities values in coronial practices.
Justice Minister Andrew Little said the Access to Body of Dead Person Ammendment Bill will have benefits for all New Zealanders. Photo: Supplied
The Access to Body of Dead Person Ammendment Bill passed its third reading at Parliament last night.
The new ammendment follows a recommendation from a Māori Affairs select Committee Report to ammend section 26 of the Coroners Act.
The report called for coroners to be required to consider cultural considerations when determining who can view, touch or remain near a tūpāpaku or deceased body.
Justice Minister Andrew Little said the bill was widely supported and will have benefits for all New Zealanders.
"The Bill does not seek to change the current practice of coroners. The work they do is very important and performed to a high standard.
"The Bill ensures this practice of taking cultural considerations into account is more visible, and concrete, for those who are dealing with what will usually be an unimaginable loss," Mr Little said.