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Does the Minister agree with Coroner Hesketh in his report released this week that the number of deaths from corded blind strangulations in New Zealand is increasing?

Answered Question 4137 (2026)
Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • Does the Minister agree with Coroner Hesketh in his report released this week that the number of deaths from corded blind strangulations in New Zealand is increasing?

Answered by

Hon Scott Simpson

Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I have asked my officials for further advice on options to address risks posed by corded window coverings. In the meantime, I strongly encourage households and suppliers to follow Product Safety New Zealand’s guidance, which recommends choosing cordless products where possible or ensuring that any existing cords are safely secured using tension devices or other measures to prevent accessible loops.