Power cut off, woman dies

**Patrick** · 5th June 2007, 15:37

Originally Posted by LilSel

opps... 1st for everything huh?

Heh heh heh... tisk tisk tisk.... quite right tho, first timer too....

**imdying** · 5th June 2007, 16:02

Wonder if all the coconuts that came over for the funeral will get to stay in the country for grieving purposes or some equally pathetic tripe.

**MisterD** · 5th June 2007, 16:53

Originally Posted by Grahameeboy

I got the impression he saw something.........mention made of tube in nose was one but could be wrong.

She came to the door with the tube in her nose apparently, which prompts two comments:
1) All my experience of people on oxygen is with them carrying bottles of the stuff around, this is the first I've heard of these concentrator machines so I guess reasonable to assume similar of Joe Blow contractor.

2) How was she too fat and ill to be moved next door if she made it as far as the front door on her own?

**Sollyboy** · 5th June 2007, 17:58

Originally Posted by Delerium

Havnt they suspended all cutting power due to ovurdue bills? It has set a precedent though.

Only cause labour want the political points , this whole thing is bullshit and a good way to sidetrack the public from any real issues going on, bottom line her death was her fault and no one elses

**Beemer** · 5th June 2007, 18:03

Latest news on this saga from Radio NZ. Maybe Helen Clark could step in and pay for this? And if she thinks SOEs shouldn't harrass people for money, does this extend to IRD? The courts? Yeah, I can really see that happening.

There are estimates that the funeral for Folole Muliaga could cost her family more than $100,000.

Mrs Muliaga's death after the power was cut to her home last Tuesday due to an unpaid bill of $168.40 has sparked an outcry, and Mercury Energy has since stopped all disconnections.

Her funeral is on Wednesday morning. On Monday night, about 300 people remembered her at a family service at the Samani Pule Pule community centre in Mangere, not far from her home. Radio New Zealand's Pacific issues correspondent says the family service fused traditional Samoan prayers and speeches with upbeat hymns led by members of the Mangere Assembly of God choir.

Women carried flowers and i'ei or cloths to cover the casket, while those who have visited the home during the past week have taken donations of cash and food. Following a Pacific tradition, the Muliaga family will reciprocate with both cash and food donations given back in return.

They also had to pay for the post-service supper, which the caterer says cost about $10,000. Mrs Lena Brunt-Beetham said this kind of catering was not unusual at a big Pacific funeral, and the food after the funeral will cost more.

Pacific funerals
Some of the mourners were critical of the money Pacific people spend on funerals. One who did not want to be named spent more than $90,000 on his brother's funeral and said the costs for this family will be much higher. He said funerals keep the Pacific community poor and many are resigned to it.

Another, who also did not want to be identified, said some people even plan ahead by taking out insurance.

However, one mourner who worked with Mrs Muliaga said the community has its own way of dealing with costs and a family service was not the place to talk about them.

After Mrs Muliaga's burial on Wednesday, the family will look at its options for legal action against Mercury Energy.

Mercury Energy has given the family money towards the cost of her funeral, and says it is deeply remorseful for her death.

**Flatcap** · 5th June 2007, 18:17

Originally Posted by Beemer

There are estimates that the funeral for Folole Muliaga could cost her family more than $100,000.
.

What's wrong with a hessian sack and a cheap plot in the wop wops?

**Beemer** · 5th June 2007, 18:25

Originally Posted by Fairlie

What's wrong with a hessian sack and a cheap plot in the wop wops?

Oh, don't worry, they don't even have to pay for those - a casket company has donated a coffin and the cemetery a plot. I know the family has lost the plot here, now we know where it's gone!

And Grahameeboy, I can't find the story, but there was one in the national papers where ACC said they would be investigating whether the family was entitled to any compensation for her death - and they were quoted as saying they would not wait for the family to contact them, they would take it upon themselves to contact the family and advise them of their entitlements. Now can you see why we're all getting pissed off? Do you know of anyone who has been treated SO well for being in debt and not taking care of their own health as much as they can?

**Flatcap** · 5th June 2007, 18:38

Originally Posted by Beemer

Oh, don't worry, they don't even have to pay for those - a casket company has donated a coffin and the cemetery a plot. I know the family has lost the plot here, now we know where it's gone!

...and this will be a DOUBLE SIZE casket and a DOUBLE plot...

**peasea** · 5th June 2007, 19:31

Truthfully? I'm getting a bit sick of the whole fucking drama.

Pay your bills and you don't get disconnected. Where's the personal responsibility? I don't pay my speeding fines....should I get a free casket if I high-side my tractor? If we get disconnected I'd expect at least ONE of my family to call an ambulance if my oxygen machine was so vital to my life. What was REALLY going on here? The guy who disconnected the house has a 'slightly' different story to the family yet they still get air time, a free casket and ten grand yet nothing's been proved or dis-proved.

Seriously, I feel like letting my next bill slide in the hope that I can cash up, pay the arrears and fly to Canada for two weeks.

Jeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzuuuuss!!!!

**imdying** · 5th June 2007, 19:53

Originally Posted by peasea

Seriously, I feel like letting my next bill slide in the hope that I can cash up, pay the arrears and fly to Canada for two weeks.

Make sure you take waylander with you

**peasea** · 5th June 2007, 19:56

Originally Posted by imdying

Make sure you take waylander with you

Why? Nice tits or wot?

**Hitcher** · 5th June 2007, 19:59

Originally Posted by peasea

Why? Nice tits or wot?

Or wot. Definitely or wot.

**peasea** · 5th June 2007, 20:09

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Or wot. Definitely or wot.

Personality perhaps, I always like folk with personality.

Awarua Street is one of my old stomping grounds........scary.

**Hitcher** · 5th June 2007, 20:14

Originally Posted by peasea

Awarua Street is one of my old stomping grounds........scary.

I estimate I have spent $10,000 at Tans Fish & Chips over 20 years in Ngaio.

**oldrider** · 5th June 2007, 20:43

Originally Posted by Patrick

I'M AWAITING THE POST MORTEM RESULT..........

REALLY LOVE TO SEE THAT POSTMORTEM RESULT ANY TIME SOON.....

Does anyone really expect that postmortem result to be accurately reported to the public?

I doubt that will happen as long as (Teflon) Clark is prime minister of New Zealand!

Unkind comment?

(not IMHO) Check out her record for dodging responsibility when it suits her!

Speaks for it's self!

John.