The hidden danger in 80% of Kiwi homes | The Front Page

A coroner has issued a damning report after the death of 16-year-old Canterbury teenager Lizzy Marvin — saying she likely died because the government failed to act on the dangers of foam-filled furniture.

 Lizzy died after toxic fumes filled her Burnham home when embers from a fireplace set her family's sofa bed alight. The coroner says the blaze spread with terrifying speed because of the foam inside — a risk Fire and Emergency has warned about for years.

Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale has labelled the ministry’s inaction “deplorable” and says Lizzy’s death could have been prevented.

After more than a decade of warnings about foam filled furniture, found in 80% of New Zealand homes, what will it take for regulation to finally change?

Today on The Front Page, NZHerald Senior Crime and Justice reporter, Anna Leask joins us to discuss the latest report.

Host/Editor: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee
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