Skip to main content

Does the Minister agree with Coroner Borrowdale in his 2021 report who said "the incidence of window cord fatalities in this country, and the availability of preventative devices, to my mind readily make the case for mandatory regulation to address the risks", and if not, why not?

Answered Question 4138 (2026)
Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • Does the Minister agree with Coroner Borrowdale in his 2021 report who said "the incidence of window cord fatalities in this country, and the availability of preventative devices, to my mind readily make the case for mandatory regulation to address the risks", and if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Scott Simpson

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

Answer

I acknowledge Coroner Borrowdale’s comments and his concern about the risks that corded internal window coverings pose to young children. The question of whether to introduce a mandatory product safety standard must be informed by a full assessment of current evidence, policy considerations, and regulatory impacts.