24 Oct 2014

Wellington Coroner Ian Smith dies

4:24 pm on 24 October 2014

Ian Smith, a respected Wellington Coroner, has died. He was 68.

In a statement, Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean praised Mr Smith as a warm-hearted, articulate and generous man.

Judge MacLean says Coroner Smith was highly respected among his fellow Coroners and passionate about the role of the Coroner.

Ian Smith had a background in civil engineering and worked in a legal practice, before becoming a Disputes Tribunal Referee in 1989.

When full-time Coroners were introduced in 2007 Mr Smith was appointed as Coroner for the Wellington region.

He had previously held the role of part-time Coroner role in Nelson.

Judge MacLean has extended his sympathies to Coroner Smith's family, friends and colleagues and says he will be missed.

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