Keeping survivors and families informed

Manaaki tangata

The Commissioners understand that survivors and the families of fatalities want to know what happened, why, and how similar tragedies can be prevented. Here we set out our general approach to working with survivors, next of kin and families.

TAIC’s commitment to survivors and families

We are committed to:

• Treating survivors and families with care and compassion - respecting privacy, diversity of family structures, and acknowledging cultural and language preferences where possible.
• Keeping survivors and families informed about the purpose of our work, the laws we work under, general inquiry progress, and giving advance notice of major announcements.

How TAIC communicates

We adjust how we communicate with survivors and families depending on the accident circumstances, where people are located, how many are involved, and the stage of the inquiry.

In the early stages, we usually make contact face-to-face, at family briefings, or by phone, email, or text. Once the site investigation phase is complete, email becomes the main channel. Secure online tools may also be used. We do not use social media messaging.

For survivors or families who are foreign citizens based outside New Zealand, we may communicate through a peer investigation agency in their country.

Other pages in the Our Work section of this website explain the stages of an inquiry. Much of our communication with victims and families is to confirm progress through these stages. 

Survivors who also had a direct role in an accident, or the next of kin of someone who has died in such circumstances, should also read Assisting a TAIC inquiry. 

Communicating 

We will work with police and other emergency services to enable families to view the scene or wreckage if conditions allow. 

Soon after the accident, we provide an update remind people about the information available on our website, and when to expect further updates. We take a ‘no surprises’ approach to keeping victims and families informed of general progress, including major announcements before these are made public. There are some things we cannot do or say (discussed below).

After the first few weeks, TAIC’s contact with survivors and families shifts to six-monthly, or when the inquiry reaches significant milestones.

We keep survivors and families informed as much as practicable, but TAIC staff can only talk in general terms about TAIC processes and progress. This is because the Transport Accident Investigation Commission Act (Part 3 here) prevents us from disclosing details of an inquiry beyond what the Commission publishes in its reports.

We publish all reports on the TAIC website. We give advance notice to survivors and next of kin when we know the planned publication date. We send an advance copy of the final report under appropriate confidentiality and security arrangements, and may offer a briefing or discussion opportunity.

What TAIC does not do

The law is strict on what the Commission can do during its investigation. These limitations can be frustrating for people who are unaware of the law and its rationale. Things we cannot do:

• Decide who is to blame. TAIC investigates occurrences that result from complex and multiple factors. We do not lay blame or prosecute. Just as the Coroner inquires into circumstances and may reduce the chances of further deaths occurring in circumstances similar to those in which the deaths occurred, TAIC inquiries shall be to determine the circumstances and causes of accidents and incidents with a view to avoiding similar occurrences in the future, rather than to ascribe blame to any person. Because we do not find blame, we depersonalise our reports.
• Share information that is legally protected from disclosure. Non-disclosure helps ensure we gather information and protects the natural justice rights of those who may have played a role in the accident.
• Confirm or deny rumours. Rumours may spread in social and news media soon after an accident. The Commission does not speculate on causes ahead of its inquiry being completed and a report being published. TAIC staff cannot address specifics about investigative steps, evidence, or causes, ahead of the Final Report's publication.
• Help with insurance or damages claims. Questions on these matters should go to the transport operator or their representative, or to your own insurers.
• Specify cause of death. This is the Coroner's role.
• Comment on other investigations into the same event. Other authorities often investigate the same event -- for instance, the Coroner, Police, a transport regulator, WorkSafe, insurance company or environmental agency. Those investigations will have different legal mandates, purpose, methods, and evidence.