Strange Deaths, Homosexuals And Fingerprints (Press, 21 March 1985)

In March 1985, a tragic incident in Auckland involved the mysterious deaths of three young children from the same family, all of whom died within three weeks of each other. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have left police perplexed, as no clear cause has been established. The family believes that the deaths were a result of a tapu, an evil curse, which has placed them at odds with the Auckland Coroner, who insists on ensuring that there is no suspicious activity surrounding the fatalities. The family's concerns about police investigations delaying the tangi, or funeral rites, highlight the cultural clash between Maoritanga and pakeha law. Meanwhile, another significant issue is gaining traction in the political landscape of New Zealand. The introduction of a homosexual law reform bill to Parliament has ignited what is expected to be a contentious debate encompassing political, moral, and religious dimensions. This private member's bill proposes to legalise male homosexuality for individuals aged 16 and above, with particular focus on the "age of consent" which is the crux of much of the opposition and support. The programme "Close Up" plans to explore the various perspectives on this matter by engaging with both lawmakers and young homosexuals, aiming to present a balanced view on the evolving legal landscape. In an unrelated topic, "Close Up" also delves into an intriguing question surrounding forensic evidence—specifically whether fingerprints can be faked. There is a case from West Australia involving three brothers who were imprisoned, which has led several experts to assert that the fingerprints presented as evidence in their conviction were indeed manipulated. This report promises to shed light on the complexities of fingerprint identification and its implications for justice. This combination of stories highlights not only the tragic events surrounding the children's deaths but also the societal issues related to law reform and the integrity of forensic evidence in the judicial system.

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