A coroner has been unable to conclusively determine the cause of death for newborn Tanatui Samuels, who was found dead alongside his mother, Emerald Tai, at their Kelston home in March 2020, three days after his birth.
Tai, 27, died from postpartum sepsis, a bacterial infection that can develop rapidly after childbirth, while Tanatui’s death was attributed to either sepsis, asphyxia from unsafe co-sleeping, or both.
Despite medical advice to remain in hospital for observation due to health risks, Tai discharged herself and her baby early, and a planned midwife visit failed when the address on record was outdated.
Both mother and baby were found with the same bacteria, and methamphetamine was detected in the baby’s liver, though its role in his death was unclear. No meth was found in the mother’s blood.
Following the tragedy, Health New Zealand implemented policy changes, including improved maternal sepsis identification, updated discharge procedures, and better antenatal care protocols.
