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Anger at delay in Wallace case

Almost nine months have passed since the hearing concluded in the New Plymouth Coroner's Court into the death of Mr Wallace, who was shot by police in Waitara in April, 2000.

The inquest covered only police procedure applying to general staff dealing with violent offenders, and first aid care.

Despite the length of time it was taking, a secretary from the office of Hamilton-based coroner Gordon Matenga said there was no indication about when a decision would be released.

That has angered Raewyn Wallace.

"When we wanted an inquest, we wanted a proper inquest, which we weren't allowed," she said.

"Now, because they haven't got the answers to this, we just have to sit and wait. It's ridiculous."

Mrs Wallace said the wait had been frustrating and terrible for her family.

"I don't know of any other people in New Zealand that have had to wait through all of this. The length of time and the way they have done everything is just not right.

"No one should have to wait six years and still not get the answer to an inquest."

Mr Matenga was unavailable to comment until tomorrow.

The lawyer acting for the Wallace family, Ron Mansfield, of Auckland, said he would not comment on the issue.

He had sought a release time from Mr Matenga's office last week, but had also been given no indication.

Without the finding from the coroner, the Police Complaints Authority investigation cannot proceed.

PCA spokesman Judge Ian Borrin, of Wellington, said it was the authority's practice not to start any investigation beforehand because it was advantageous to get all the evidence and findings on the matter before starting.

"It (the inquest) was a very full hearing and a lot of issues that are of concern to people throughout this matter did receive discussion in front of the coroner. For this case we must wait."

Judge Borrin said it would be inappropriate for him to have any correspondence with Mr Matenga on the issue.