By Elizabeth Puranam
The family of a teenage boy who died of alcohol poisoning say they are disappointed with the coroner's report which was released today.
Almost a year after 16-year-old James Webster died after excessive drinking at a birthday party, the coroner's report once again stresses the perils of drinking.
The Webster family say this is the chance for the Government to do something drastic about the country's binge drinking culture, however they say the report doesn't go far enough.
"A stronger message should've been given to the community by the coroner," says James' uncle, Donald Webster. "I feel that without that, this opportunity is missed and James' death counts for nothing."
The King's College student was 13 times over the drink driving limit after drinking spirits at the supervised party.
The coroner says he is satisfied with the Grey Lynn Returned Services Club where the party was held, and the parents who hosted it.
However, the report has provided little relief to James' father.
"My brother's in China on business," Mr Webster says. "I've spoken to him. He's read the report part way through. He couldn't finish it."
Mr Webster says the report's saving grace is that it recommends the Government and parents do more to promote alcohol awareness - but that's hardly a new message.
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