Coroner grants access to police reinvestigation file in Lachie Jones case
Tuesday 29 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Alexander Ho
Coroner Alexander Ho has directed the limited release of a police reinvestigation file to interested parties regarding the death of three-year-old Lachie Jones. The file concerns the third investigation into the toddler's death in Gore. Parties have until 5 February to advise the coroner on how the inquiry should proceed.
Key facts
4 facts
- Lachie Jones was found dead in a Gore oxidation pond in January 2019.
- Coroner Alexander Ho directed a fresh police investigation after a previous inquest.
- Interested parties must provide submissions by 5 February 2027.
- The re-investigation file was handed to the coroner in August.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Coroner Alexander Ho has granted interested parties restricted access to a substantial police re-investigation file regarding the death of Lachie Jones. Parties have until 5 February 2027 to review the material and submit advice on how the coronial inquiry should proceed.
The file concerns a third investigation into the death of the three-year-old, who was found in a Gore oxidation pond in January 2019. This latest investigation was led by Detective Inspector Darrell Harpur with oversight from Detective Superintendent Ross McKay.
Coroner Ho previously directed police to conduct a 'full and fresh' investigation after finding he could not determine the cause of death on the balance of probabilities. He also criticised serious shortcomings in previous police and medical investigations.
The release of the file is subject to strict conditions to prevent misunderstandings about untested material. The contents must be used only for the coronial inquiry and may only be shared with families or advisers.
Where reports differ
- One report states the submission deadline is February 5, while another specifies 5 February 2027.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Newsroom.