Introduction:

In May of 2011 a Samoan schoolteacher by the name of Folole Muliaga was sent home from

a New Zealand hospital suffering from a terminal illness called cardiomyopathy. Because,

doctors believed she did not have much longer to live she was sent home with two oxygen

tanks to help aid her with her illness. McNaughton (2006) states that on May 29 a contractor

for Vircom EMS was sent by Mercury Energy to the Muliaga’s home to disconnect the

electricity supply. Mrs. Muliaga pleaded with the contractor to keep the electricity because of her

health condition but he disagreed. A few short hours later Mrs. Muliaga would perish. Prior to

the Muliaga’s electricity being disconnected, the family had an outstanding balance of $168.00,

and could not afford to pay the bill. The case of Folole Muliaga would later be broadcast around

the world capturing the attention of many government officials. This paper will cover many

aspects including but not limited to: the consequences and outcomes of the scenario, the illegal

and unethical aspects of the Mercury Company, was the role of the coroner and police

department justifiable, and lastly, what reforms and guidelines were put in place as a result of the

devastating tragedy?

Evaluate Ethical Behavior: The Historical Case of Folole Muliaga

Folole Muliaga, a 44 year old terminally ill mother of four suffering from cardiomyopathy

perished after not being able to pay a $168.00 electricity bill. As a result of Mrs. Muliaga

sickness she was unable to continue her teaching career which brought in the majority of the

household income. Johnston (2007) states that Mercury Energy was unaware that

disconnecting power to a South Auckland home could have potentially life-threatening

consequences. The resulted consequence was too harsh; to