Coroner investigates deaths of Auckland mother and newborn son

Wednesday 13 August 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Wed 13 Aug 2025, 7:46am

A coroner has released findings regarding the 2020 deaths of Emerald Tai and her newborn, Tanatui Samuels, in Kelston. While the exact cause for the infant remains uncertain, the deaths were attributed to sepsis, smothering, or both. Tai had discharged herself from Auckland Hospital early to care for her other children.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffWed 13 Aug 2025, 5:00am

   Mother died with her newborn baby at home, days after leaving hospital early to care for family (opens in new tab)

2. RNZWed 13 Aug 2025, 5:00am

   Coroner rules newborn found dead alongside mum killed by sepsis, smothering, or both (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldWed 13 Aug 2025, 5:29am

   Auckland mother and newborn’s deaths highlights challenges in postpartum care, Coroner says (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZWed 13 Aug 2025, 7:46am

   Coroner releases findings into death of mother, newborn son (opens in new tab)