A group fighting for the re-establishment of mortuary services at Tauranga Hospital is welcoming a decision by the Ministry of Justice to call for expressions of interest from potential providers.
The Bay of Plenty District Health Board closed its post-mortem room last month, saying it could not afford refurbishment.
Coronial examinations have since been carried out in Hamilton and Rotorua while a long-term solution is sought.
A Ngai Te Rangi spokesperson, Paora Stanley, says the iwi is financially able to bid but wants to see who else is interested.
He says a watchful eye will be kept on the level of expertise other bidders seek to bring in, and when they would expect to be able to re-open mortuary services.
Mr Stanley says he understands the need for a post-mortem room in Tauranga is the same as for Hamilton and Rotorua combined.
