Inquest into NZ woman's death

An inquest into the death of a young New Zealander who died in Western Australia from a mystery illness is due to begin today.

Amanda Tauai, 21, from Tauranga, had been working in a small mining town when she fell ill in March 2012 and was airlifted to hospital.

Her family rushed from Tauranga to be at her bedside, but she died before they arrived.

It was believed at the time the former Tauranga Girls' College pupil may have contracted meningitis.

She died on March 17, 2012, in Royal Perth Hospital after she was airlifted from Paraburdoo, a mining town 1500km north of Perth. Most of the town's residents are employed by Pilbara Iron's mining operation. It is understood Ms Tauai worked in the local store.

Friends set up a trust to raise the $10,000 needed to bring Ms Tauai's body home to Tauranga. More than $12,000 was raised, with the extra cash going towards paying off her medical bills.

An inquest into her death is due to be held in Perth today before deputy state coroner Evelyn Felicia Vicker. It is due to begin at 10am local time (3pm NZT), and is set down for one day.

By Patrice Dougan of NZME. 

 

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