A coronial inquest has begun into the death of Auckland five-year-old, Malachi Subecz

Malachi died in Starship Hospital in 2021 - after months of abuse by his carer.

Coroner Anderson has laid out key issues to be addressed in the hearing - including whether mandatory reporting would have made a difference.

The aim is to form recommendations to help prevent deaths in similar circumstances.

The boy's mother, Jasmine Cotter, is expected to give evidence today, and his cousin, Megan Cotter.