The death of 3-year-old Reign Matamaru Tuhirangi Puriri will not be considered in a coroner inquiry, with a decision saying the matter has already been adequately addressed during criminal proceedings.
Reign suffered traumatic head injuries on a rural driveway near Whangārei after falling from a slow-moving ute driven by his uncle, Aitua Puriri, on February 23, 2025.
On the day of his death, Reign who was a “dearly loved and cherished son, grandson and member of his whānau,” was with a young cousin, and Puriri, his father’s brother, the coroner’s decision said.
Puriri drove about 160 metres along a rural public road from his home to another family home, with Reign and his cousin unrestrained in the ute. The vehicle was not warranted or registered.
He then drove up a 370-metre unsealed driveway to the family home to drop off a lawnmower. After spending a short time at the property, he went to leave.
