An Auckland toddler who choked to death after swallowing a drawing pin died in a "tragic accident" that could not have been foreseen, a coroner has found.
Siuta Laulaupea'alu Uhi, of Henderson, died at Waitakere Hospital on November 21, 2025, aged just a year and nine months.
Coroner Ian Telford's findings, released this week, detailed that Siuta was playing with his siblings in the family lounge when his mother noticed he appeared to be choking.
He was holding a bag of lollies at the time, and his mother believed a lolly was causing the obstruction.
She immediately placed him face down and delivered back blows to try and clear his airway. Driving him to hospital, a family member continued first aid during the journey as emergency services were contacted.
Heavy traffic forced the family to turn back home where they were met by a paramedic who continued emergency treatment, including attempts to secure Siuta's airway before rushing him to Waitakere Hospital.
Despite what the coroner described as "extensive and exhaustive resuscitation efforts" by Siuta's family, paramedics and hospital staff, he could not be revived.
A post-mortem examination three days later a pathologist found a small drawing pin lodged at the back of Siuta's nose and mouth, obstructing his upper airway. The coroner accepted the pathologist's opinion that this obstruction caused his death.
While finding no fault with Siuta's family, Coroner Telford said the case was a reminder of the serious risk everyday items posed to young children.
"Everyday items such as drawing pins, coins, lollies, button batteries, magnets and other small objects can present a fatal choking hazard if they are accessed by infants or toddlers," he said.
He urged parents and caregivers to identify and remove such hazards wherever practicable, and encouraged families to familiarise themselves with St John's first aid guidance on responding to choking emergencies.
"I extend my sincere condolences to Siuta's family and loved ones for their profound loss," Coroner Telford said.
"I hope that drawing attention to the choking hazard posed by small household objects, and the importance of knowing how to respond in an emergency, may help prevent similar tragedies in the future."
What to do if a child is choking
Hato Hone St John advises that if a child is choking but can still breathe or cough, caregivers should encourage them to cough and should not hit them on the back.
If they cannot breathe, cough or speak, call 111 immediately. For a conscious child, give up to five firm back blows, checking after each one to see if the airway has cleared. If the blockage remains, give up to five chest thrusts and continue alternating back blows and chest thrusts until the airway clears or help arrives.
For a choking baby, St John recommends up to five back blows followed by up to five chest thrusts, using two fingers in the middle of the chest. If a choking child or baby becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, call 111 and begin CPR.
SHARE ME