Coroner: ‘Less than lethal options were not available’ in fatal police shooting of Auckland man Tangaru-Noere Turia

The findings of a coroner's inquest into the fatal police shooting of Tangaru-Noere Turia in Auckland have shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death on February 25, 2021. The inquest concluded that officers involved in the incident "less than lethal options were not available" to them, a critical detail in understanding the events that led to Mr. Turia being shot dead at his South Auckland home.

Mr. Turia, identified as a 501 deportee, was reportedly in his bedroom holding a sawn-off shotgun and shouting. The situation escalated as he allegedly pointed the weapon out of his window in an area where children had been playing and road workers were present. This context is crucial for understanding the immediate threat perceived by the police officers responding to the scene.

The coroner's determination that less-than-lethal options were unavailable raises important questions about police equipment, training, and protocols in high-stakes situations. While the report acknowledges the circumstances, it underscores the difficult and dangerous nature of policing, particularly when dealing with individuals who pose an immediate threat with firearms. The outcome of such inquests often informs future police practices and public safety strategies, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.