Gore toddler death coroner investigation

The story so far

In 2025, a coroner delayed releasing findings into the 2019 death of a three-year-old boy found in a Gore sewage pond, and asked for further submissions.^{26 May 2025} Police investigations had concluded that the boy accidentally drowned, but his father disputed those results.^{26 May 2025} In June 2025, coroner Alexander Ho described the previous investigations as a "shambles" and said foul play was unlikely, but he ordered a third police reinvestigation by an experienced officer from outside Southland.^{13 Jun 2025} The case was also referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.^{13 Jun 2025} In July 2025, two North Island detectives were appointed to lead the new investigation, which follows the coroner's criticism of earlier police work.^{2 Jul 2025}

Latest

Two North Island detectives have been appointed to lead the new reinvestigation into the boy's death.^{2 Jul 2025} The fresh inquiry follows the coroner's criticism of the earlier police investigations.^{13 Jun 2025; 2 Jul 2025}

Key moments

1. 26 May 2025Coroner delays findings and requests further submissions before release.
2. 13 Jun 2025Coroner calls previous investigations a "shambles", orders third reinvestigation.
3. 13 Jun 2025Case referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
4. 2 Jul 2025Two North Island detectives appointed to lead new investigation.

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