Research & Links

Planning & Legal Advice

Death, Funerals and Small Estates (PDF) – an excellent guide by the Whitirea Community Law Centre Trust published in 2002.

Making a Will and Estate Administration  – the Law Society of New Zealand’s website clearly explains the terminology and legal requirements relevant to making a will.

Powers of Attorney – simply written and informative, the Law Society of New Zealand’s website explains the terms of Personal Care & Welfare EPA and Property EPA. Families frequently ask for the definition of these terms.

Advance Care Plan – Advance Care Planning helps you and those involved in your medical care decisions prepare and record your preferred end-of-life care choices.

Independent Agencies

Citizens Advice Bureau – independent advice on funerals, wills and the law.

Government Agencies

Coronial Services of New Zealand – website explaining the services provided by New Zealand Coroners.

Department of Internal Affairs – Births, Deaths and Marriages

  • Before burial or cremation (PDF) – this publication is an excellent guide for those wanting to arrange the entire funeral themselves.

Statistics New Zealand – for stats on Births & Deaths in New Zealand

Work & Income Funeral Grant Factsheet  – how to apply for funeral grant assistance.
Work & Income Funeral Grant Application Form

Accident Compensation Commission (PDF) – guide to getting financial assistance after someone has died as a result of an injury.

Environmental

Natural Burials – a not for profit organisation formed in 1999 by a group of New Zealanders wanting to create and operate natural cemeteries.

Grief & Wellbeing

Skylight – is based in Newtown and offers a range of services for all age groups to support those affected by life changes;  loss, trauma or grief.

SANDS – a voluntary, parent-run, non-profit organisation set up to support parents and families who have experienced the death of a baby.

History of Death & Dying in New Zealand

Te Ara | Encyclopedia of New Zealand – a good historical overview of death, dying and funerals in New Zealand.