A man who was hit by two trucks after he drunkenly wandered on to State Highway One had a blood alcohol level more than four times the legal drink-driving limit.
Shadrach Donaldson, 40, died after sustaining multiple injuries when he was hit by two trucks on SH1 near Foxton, north of Wellington, in August last year.
In his findings, Coroner Tim Scott says Mr Donaldson had been drinking heavily at Motuiti Marae before the accident.
A post-mortem examination showed Mr Donaldson had a blood alcohol level of 328 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
The legal drink-driving limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
The police officer in charge of the investigation into Mr Donaldson's death said he could not recall ever having encountered a blood alcohol level that high.
Witnesses said Mr Donaldson arrived at the marae drunk, but he continued drinking after his arrival.
One witness said Mr Donaldson drank two dozen bottles of Steinlager.
Mr Scott said it was a "serious concern" that Mr Donaldson was permitted to drink to excess on the marae.
Mr Scott said that when Mr Donaldson arrived at the marae he should have been excluded, taken home, or taken somewhere safe on the marae and closely watched.
However, he said Mr Donaldson "should have known better than to become grossly intoxicated".
The coroner has recommended the marae involved review its alcohol policy and include a requirement that groups hosting functions at the marae submit a plan outlining how they'll deal with the distribution and consumption of alcohol.
NZN