Coroner Gordon Matenga says in his verdict that Folole Muliaga died of an irregular heartbeat caused by morbid obesity. At the time of her death the 44-year-old wife and mother weighed 173kg and had a body mass index rating of 65. Anything over 30 is considered obese.

Hamilton coroner Gordon Matenga has been appointed to hear the inquest into the death of Auckland woman Folole Muliaga. Mrs Muliaga, 44, of Mangere, died in May last year after the power to her home was cut by a Mercury Energy contractor because of an overdue power bill. (c) 2008 Waikato Times.

ELECTRICITY to a Wellington man's flat was disrupted and finally cut off completely for nearly two days as he tried to resolve an apparently simple problem with his power company.

IN the weeks since ailing Auckland mother Folole Muliaga died after a power company disconnected electricity to her home, reaction has been divided between those who blame corporate greed for her death and those who blame her family.

By WELHAM, Keri BITTER winter weather is endangering the lives of vulnerable New Zealanders because they are too afraid of surging power bills to heat their homes.