The Coronial Services Unit (CSU) provides a dedicated support service of case management, court taking, typing of findings and recommendations, and transcription of evidence. It facilitates an increased level of family involvement and deals with the high level of notification requirements under the Act. The CSU is run by the National Manager who is based in Wellington with the Chief Coroner, with additional CSU staff in the other 8 coronial offices around New Zealand. The CSU staff is provided by the Ministry of Justice to support the independent coronial system and to ensure a consistent delivery of coronial services throughout the Country.
The National Manager leads the CSU. This person is accountable for the effective and efficient delivery of coronial support services, and plays a key part in setting the direction, standards and culture of the CSU, bearing overall accountability for the effective management, operation and performance of the Coronial Services Unit. The National Manager works closely with the Chief Coroner, the Coroners, the Ministry of Justice and senior officials in the New Zealand Police and other agencies. The National Manager also contributes as part of the Tribunals and Specialist Courts Management Team to the development, implementation and review of group business goals, strategies policies and procedures.
There are three Coronial Services Managers in New Zealand, and they are based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. They lead their regional team consisting of the regional office base plus sub-offices in associated satellite locations, and are responsible for the day to day delivery of support services to Coroners, in accordance with business goals and plans. These Coronial Services Managers manage relationships with the Coroners in their region, as well as local District Court Managers and staff. The Coroners and Coronial Services Co-ordinator rely heavily on external agencies such as Police, Pathologists, Funeral Directors, and District Health Boards, and the Coronial Services Manager is very proactive in developing and maintaining strong relationships with these external agencies in order to resolve issues and maintain consistency of process.
The Coronial Services Co-ordinator contributes to the operation of the CSU by co-ordinating all matters referred to the Coroner. This is achieved through the provision of efficient and effective services that meet the expectations of the Coroners, the family/whānau and the Ministry of Justice through timely and responsive progression of inquiries and inquests through the coronial process. The Coronial Services Co-ordinator needs to ensure that all services are provided in line with the legislative requirements of the Coroners Act 2006.
The Coronial Services Co-ordinator is required to co-ordinate all matters referred to the Coroner including scheduling, court taking, circuit support, assembling all inquiry information and reports and ensuring files are complete and accurate. They are also work with the regional Coronial Services team by developing, managing and maintaining effective relationships with other Ministry of Justice staff, the Chief Coroner and Coroners, the Police, the legal profession and other professional service providers to ensure a high standard of service delivery.