How to Plan a Funeral in New Zealand: 2025 Complete Guide

Quick Overview: Funeral Planning Timeline

First 24-48 Hours

✓ Obtain medical certificate of death
✓ Contact funeral director
✓ Notify immediate family
✓ Begin gathering documents

Days 2-3

✓ Register the death (within 3 working days)
✓ Plan the service (burial vs cremation)
✓ Choose casket/coffin
✓ Book venue and celebrant

Days 3-7

✓ Finalize service details
✓ Send death notices
✓ Arrange reception/wake
✓ Coordinate with family/speakers

Step 1: Immediate Actions After Death

If Death Occurs at Home (Expected)

Contact the doctor: Call the deceased's GP or hospice nurse who was providing care
Do not move the body: Wait for the doctor to arrive
Obtain medical certificate: The doctor will examine the body and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Call funeral director: They can collect the body and guide you through next steps

If Death Occurs at Home (Unexpected)

Call 111 immediately: Report the unexpected death
Do not touch or move anything: Police may need to investigate
Wait for emergency services: They will coordinate with the coroner
Notify family: Contact immediate family members

If Death Occurs in Hospital or Aged Care

The facility staff will:

Handle immediate procedures and paperwork
Arrange for the doctor to issue the medical certificate
Provide you with the certificate and guidance
Hold the body until funeral director collects it

Step 2: Choosing and Meeting with a Funeral Director

Why Use a Funeral Director?

While not legally required, 95% of NZ families use a funeral director because they:

Handle logistics: Transportation, storage, preparation of the body
Manage paperwork: Death registration, permits, certificates
Coordinate services: Venue, celebrant, flowers, catering
Provide expertise: Guide you through options and cultural requirements
Offer support: Compassionate guidance during difficult time

Choosing the Right Funeral Director

Consider:

Location: Choose one near the deceased's home or where service will be held
Cost transparency: Ask for itemized quotes, compare 2-3 funeral homes
Experience: Check reviews, ask about cultural/religious expertise
Facilities: Viewing rooms, chapel, parking, accessibility
Personal connection: You should feel comfortable and supported

Find funeral directors near you at FuneralHomes.co.nz Directory

What to Bring to First Meeting

Required Documents:

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Birth certificate of deceased
Marriage/civil union certificate (if applicable)
Passport or citizenship documents
Your photo ID

Optional But Helpful:

Will or pre-paid funeral plan
Clothing for deceased
Photos for service and death notice
List of family contacts
Service ideas (music, readings, speakers)

Step 3: Legal Requirements and Death Registration

Registering the Death (Within 3 Working Days)

By law, you must register the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages within 3 working days. The funeral director usually handles this.

What's Required:

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Deceased's full name, date of birth, place of birth
Parents' names and places of birth
Occupation and usual residence
Marital status and spouse details

You'll Receive:

Registration number (needed for burial/cremation permit)
Option to purchase official death certificates ($33 each)
Burial or cremation permit

How Many Death Certificates to Order:
Typically order 5-10 certified copies for:

Banks and financial institutions
Insurance companies
Lawyers and estate settlement
Government agencies (IRD, WINZ)
KiwiSaver and superannuation funds

Step 4: Key Decisions - Burial vs Cremation

Cremation

$3,000 - $6,000

Advantages:

✓ More affordable
✓ Flexible memorial options
✓ Portable (ashes can be moved)
✓ No ongoing cemetery costs
✓ 70% of NZ families choose this

What Happens:

• Body placed in cremation coffin
• Cremation takes 2-3 hours
• Ashes returned in 7-10 days
• Placed in urn or container

Burial

$8,000 - $15,000+

Advantages:

✓ Traditional and familiar
✓ Permanent memorial site
✓ Family burial plots possible
✓ Aligns with some religions
✓ 30% of NZ families choose this

Additional Costs:

• Cemetery plot: $2,000-$8,000
• Digging fees: $800-$1,500
• Headstone: $1,000-$5,000
• Ongoing maintenance fees

Step 5: Planning the Funeral Service

Types of Funeral Services

Traditional Funeral Service

Viewing/visitation (1-2 hours before service)
Formal service at church, chapel, or funeral home
Eulogy, readings, hymns/music
Procession to cemetery or crematorium
Committal service (graveside or crematorium)
Reception/wake afterward

Memorial Service (No Body Present)

Held after cremation or burial
More flexible timing and venue
Can be weeks or months later
Focus on celebration of life

Direct Burial/Cremation (No Service)

Most affordable option
Burial or cremation without ceremony
Family can arrange memorial later
Popular for private families

Service Elements to Consider

Venue Options:

Church: Traditional, religious service
Funeral home chapel: Neutral space, all facilities on-site
Crematorium chapel: Service followed immediately by cremation
Marae: For Māori tangihanga
Community hall: For larger gatherings
Outdoors: Garden, beach, farm (weather dependent)
Home: Intimate setting for small family services

Service Structure:

Opening: Welcome, acknowledgments
Readings/Prayers: Religious or secular
Music: Live or recorded, hymns or favorite songs
Eulogy: Life story, achievements, personality
Tributes: Family and friends speak (3-5 speakers)
Photo/Video: Slideshow or tribute video
Committal: Final prayers and farewell
Closing: Thanks and reception invitation

Choosing a Celebrant or Officiant

Religious minister: Priest, pastor, rabbi, imam
Civil celebrant: Non-religious professional ($300-$600)
Funeral director: Some conduct services
Family member: Personal but requires preparation

Step 6: Costs and Budget Planning

Typical Funeral Costs Breakdown (2025)

Professional Services:

Funeral director's fee: $1,500 - $3,000
Transport (hearse, vehicles): $400 - $800
Preparation and care of body: $500 - $1,200
Embalming (if required): $300 - $500

Products:

Casket/coffin: $800 - $8,000
Urn for ashes: $100 - $500
Flowers and tributes: $200 - $800
Service booklets/programs: $100 - $300

Third-Party Costs:

Crematorium fees: $600 - $1,000
OR Cemetery plot: $2,000 - $8,000
Burial/digging fees: $800 - $1,500
Death certificates: $33 each
Celebrant fee: $300 - $600
Venue hire: $200 - $800
Catering for wake: $15 - $40 per person

Ways to Reduce Costs

Compare quotes: Get written quotes from 2-3 funeral homes
Choose direct cremation: Cheapest option at $3,000-$4,000
Simple casket: Choose cardboard or basic wood ($400-$1,200)
Skip embalming: Only needed if body held for several days
DIY elements: Family can arrange flowers, catering, programs
Limit attendees: Smaller service = lower venue and catering costs
Memorial service later: Direct cremation now, celebrate later

Financial Assistance Available

ACC: Up to $7,932 if death caused by accident
WINZ Funeral Grant: Up to $2,000 for beneficiaries
Funeral insurance: If deceased had policy
Payment plans: Most funeral homes offer
Estate funds: Can be released early for funeral

Step 7: Cultural and Religious Considerations

Māori Tangihanga

3-day ceremony on marae
Body lies in state in meeting house
Continuous vigil by family
Formal speeches (whaikōrero) and songs (waiata)
Large communal meals (hākari)
Burial or cremation on final day

Pacific Island Traditions

Extended family heavily involved
Traditional dress and mats
Cultural gift presentations
Large community gatherings
Church services

Religious Requirements

Catholic: Requiem Mass, burial or cremation permitted
Islamic: Burial within 24 hours, no embalming, body faces Mecca
Jewish: Burial within 24 hours, simple casket, no embalming
Hindu: Cremation preferred, specific rituals
Buddhist: Cremation common, chanting ceremonies

Step 8: After the Funeral - Next Steps

Within First Month:

Send thank you cards to attendees and helpers
Settle funeral home account
Notify all banks, insurance, government agencies
Contact lawyer about will and estate
Cancel subscriptions and services
Arrange headstone or memorial (if burial)

Grief Support:

Skylight Trust (free counseling): skylight.org.nz
Grief Centre support groups
1737 Need to Talk (free call/text)
Your GP can refer for subsidized counseling

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to plan a funeral in NZ in 2025?

Funeral costs in 2025 range from $3,000-$6,000 for basic cremation to $8,000-$15,000 for traditional burial. Premium services can exceed $25,000. Costs include professional services, casket/coffin, venue, certificates, and cemetery/crematorium fees.

What are the legal requirements for funerals in NZ?

Legal requirements: obtain medical certificate of death from a doctor, register death within 3 working days with Births Deaths and Marriages, obtain burial/cremation permit, comply with cemetery or crematorium regulations, and follow environmental health regulations for burial.

How long can you wait to have a funeral in New Zealand?

There's no legal time limit for holding a funeral in NZ, but most occur within 3-7 days of death. Refrigeration is required if longer than 4 days. Some cultures (Māori tangihanga) may have 3-day ceremonies. Winter burials may be delayed if ground is frozen.

Can I organize a funeral without a funeral director?

Yes, DIY funerals are legal in NZ. You must: obtain medical certificate, register death, arrange transport (special vehicle requirements), obtain burial/cremation permit, coordinate with cemetery/crematorium, and handle all logistics. Most families use directors for expertise and support.

What should I bring to a funeral planning meeting?

Bring: deceased's birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, photo ID, will (if available), pre-paid funeral plan documents, clothing for deceased, list of family contacts, ideas for service (music, readings, speakers), and budget information.

Final Checklist: Funeral Planning Tasks

✓ Immediate (First 48 Hours)

□ Obtain medical certificate of death
□ Contact funeral director
□ Notify family and close friends
□ Gather necessary documents
□ Begin planning service type

✓ Within 3 Days

□ Register the death
□ Order death certificates (5-10)
□ Choose burial or cremation
□ Select casket/coffin/urn
□ Book venue and celebrant
□ Confirm service date and time

✓ Before Service

□ Finalize service order and speakers
□ Choose music and readings
□ Write/approve eulogy
□ Order flowers
□ Arrange catering for wake
□ Send death notices to media
□ Print service booklets
□ Prepare photo displays

✓ After Service

□ Pay funeral home account
□ Send thank you cards
□ Contact lawyer about estate
□ Notify government agencies
□ Close accounts and subscriptions
□ Arrange memorial stone (if burial)
□ Access grief support if needed

Need Help Planning a Funeral?

Find trusted funeral directors in your area and compare services and prices.

Find Funeral Homes Near You Get Personalized Quotes