Coroner finds police takedown caused fatal injuries of deaf man

Monday 3 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 3 Aug, 8:00am

In this story Independent Police Conduct Authority, Heather McKenzie

A coroner has ruled that a police takedown technique caused the fatal spinal injuries of 65-year-old Peter Boy Tuhi. The incident occurred in a Levin car park in December 2021 during the arrest of the deaf man. Police have since updated their recruitment and defensive tactics training.

How they headlined it

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1. The PostMon 3 Aug, 4:00am

   Fatal injuries suffered during police arrest of deaf man, coroner finds (opens in new tab)

2. StuffMon 3 Aug, 4:59am

   Man died after police officer’s ‘rugby spear-tackle’ during struggle (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldMon 3 Aug, 7:45am

   Deaf man dies after being spear tackled by police officer (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZMon 3 Aug, 8:00am

   Deaf man dies after being spear tackled by police officer during fracas (opens in new tab)