Whānau Voices: Experiences of the Coronial Process Following Rangatahi Suicide in Aotearoa New Zealand

This research investigates the experiences of whānau (Māori families) in Aotearoa New Zealand who lost a rangatahi (young person) to suicide and subsequently engaged with coronial services. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 whānau, involving 14 whānau members, between 2023 and 2024. The findings reveal significant gaps in knowledge, communication and cultural responsiveness within the coronial system, exacerbating the trauma experienced by bereaved whānau. Most of the whānau we interviewed had limited or no understanding of how coronial investigations happened. Moreover, many of them had to learn about these processes while in a state of crisis and emotional distress. Interactions with professionals following the death of a loved one were experienced as insensitive and devoid of cultural protocols. Interactions with coronial services were also found to be inconsistent; some whānau endured unreturned calls, impersonal correspondence and long delays in receiving contact from the coronial service. Across all interviews, whānau voiced a strong desire to be heard and included. They believe their lived experiences, insights and cultural knowledge could inform future suicide prevention efforts and save lives. The findings underscore a chorus of voices calling for urgent trauma‐informed, culturally responsive and family‐inclusive practices across coronial and postvention services in Aotearoa.