Coroner launches inquest into Christchurch mother's murder and mental-health system failures
A coronial inquest has opened to investigate how a mental-health patient was granted community leave and subsequently murdered Laisa Waka in Christchurch.
Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame commenced an inquest into the 2022 killing of Laisa Waka, focusing on the systemic and procedural lapses that allowed her attacker, a patient named Hussein, to leave Hillmorton Hospital on community leave. Hussein, previously convicted for a stabbing rampage, was released around 2.30 pm, travelled to Sockburn and, after an altercation, stabbed Waka as she returned from work. The family, including husband Nemani Tunidau and children Eparama, Epineri and Dontey, gave emotional statements describing the enduring impact of her death and urging the court to uncover why safeguards failed.
The inquest will examine Health New Zealand’s risk-assessment, medication handling, incident reporting, and staffing adequacy, with Stephanie Grieve KC assisting the coroner. Witnesses from the mental-health service are expected to provide evidence on the decisions surrounding Hussein’s leave.
Why it matters
The inquiry could reveal gaps in mental-health risk management that affect public safety.
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