What to do after a death (New Zealand): a practical step-by-step guide
If you’re reading this in shock, start here
It’s normal to feel foggy. This page is designed for grief brain.
If you’ve just had a loss, you might feel numb, disoriented, or unable to think clearly. That’s normal. If the text feels like it’s “swimming,” read only the headings and bold text — and do just the next small step.
30-second reset (optional)
- Feet on the floor. One hand on your chest, one on your stomach.
- Inhale 4 seconds… hold 2… exhale 6. Repeat three times.
- Say out loud: “I only need to do the next step.”
Memory aid: Get a piece of paper and write three headings: Today, This week, Can wait. As you read, add items to those lists. That’s enough.
🔴 STOP — do only this right now (first 30 minutes)
A short plan for the immediate moment. Everything else can wait.
STOP — four steps
- If the death has just happened or is unclear: call 111.
- Secure the home: lock doors, gather keys, and put ID/important documents in one place.
- Call one trusted person: to be with you or stay on the phone while you handle the first steps.
- Today you can stop after the essentials. You’re allowed to do less.
Priorities that reduce overwhelm
Use this as your ‘Today / This week / Can wait’ plan.
🔴 TODAY
- Confirm where the death occurred and who is responsible
- Find out if the Coroner is involved
- Choose one “main contact” person for calls and messages
- Contact a funeral director (if using one) and ask for a written estimate
🟡 THIS WEEK
- Medical paperwork (MCCD) / coronial updates
- Death registration (BDM/DIA) and ordering death certificates if needed
- Notify key organisations (bank, insurer, employer, KiwiSaver)
- Sort essential bills and home security (especially if the home is empty)
🟢 CAN WAIT
- Detailed estate/probate steps and distribution
- Digital accounts/subscriptions and device access
- Sorting belongings (do this when you’re ready)
If you do only one thing today: confirm whether the case is straightforward (expected death) or whether it has been referred to the Coroner. That single answer changes timelines and what must wait.
1) First hours: what happens next depends on where the person died
Start here — location changes the process.
- At home (expected death): contact their doctor/GP, hospice team, or an after-hours medical service. They can advise next steps and arrange the medical paperwork.
- At home (unexpected, sudden, or unclear): call 111. Police and ambulance may attend, and the death may need to be referred to the Coroner.
- In hospital: staff will guide you through what happens next, including how you receive belongings and paperwork.
- In aged residential care: staff will contact the appropriate clinician and explain next steps.
2) Medical paperwork and when the Coroner is involved
This determines what can happen next and how quickly.
If the death was expected and a clinician can certify the cause, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (often shortened to MCCD) is completed. If the death is sudden, unexplained, violent,appears self-inflicted, medically unexpected, or occurs in certain forms of official custody/care, it must be referred to the Coroner.
- If the Coroner takes the case, there may be additional steps (for example, decisions about a post-mortem and formal findings).
- Coroner involvement can affect timelines for funeral arrangements. Ask: “What can we do now, and what must wait?”
- Keep a note of the name/number for the Coroner’s Office or coronial coordinator if assigned.
“Hello — we’ve had a death and we’re trying to understand the next steps. Can you confirm whether this is being referred to the Coroner, what we can do today, and what must wait? Can I have a reference number or the best contact for follow-up?”
3) Choose who will help (funeral director vs arranging it yourself)
Many families use a funeral director, but you can also arrange things privately.
You can use a funeral director, or you can organise the burial or cremation yourself. Either way, choose one person to be the “main contact” to reduce repetition and overwhelm.
- If you have whānau, friends, or a community leader (for example, a minister/celebrant), ask someone to be your admin helper so you don’t carry everything alone.
- If there are cultural or religious needs (for example, tangihanga), tell the care team or funeral director early so the timeline can be respected.
- If cost is a concern, ask for a written quote and start with the simplest dignified option.
4) Register the death (Births, Deaths and Marriages — DIA/BDM)
In New Zealand, deaths are registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages (Department of Internal Affairs).
In New Zealand, deaths are registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages (Department of Internal Affairs). If you use a funeral director, they usually handle registration and will collect details from you.
- If you’re organising the burial/cremation yourself (or not holding one), you must submit the death registration to BDM within 3 working days of the burial/cremation (or other disposal).
- It’s free to register a death, but there’s a fee if you order an official death certificate.
- If you need to administer an estate, close accounts, or claim entitlements, you’ll often need a death certificate — consider ordering more than one certified copy if multiple organisations require originals.
5) Notify organisations (banks, services, KiwiSaver, ACC / Work and Income where relevant)
Work through the essentials first — the rest can follow later.
Common organisations to notify
- Banks, credit cards, loans, mortgage provider
- KiwiSaver provider and any workplace/private superannuation
- Insurers (home, car, life), and any membership benefits
- Utilities (power, internet, mobile), rates/tenancy services where relevant
- Employer (final pay, leave, any death-related workplace benefits)
- NZTA / vehicle insurer if a vehicle is involved
- If the death followed an accident or injury, there may be ACC steps; if finances are tight, check whether support is available through Work and Income.
[ ] Bank(s) contacted
[ ] KiwiSaver contacted
[ ] Insurer(s) contacted
[ ] Employer contacted (if applicable)
[ ] ACC / Work and Income checked (if relevant)
“Hello — I’m calling to notify you of a death. Please tell me exactly what documents you require, whether you need originals or copies, and what the next step is. Can you give me a reference number for this call?”
6) Funeral decisions (keep it simple, keep it true)
You can keep it simple, traditional, or deeply personal.
- Decide whether it will be burial or cremation.
- Consider a religious service, a non-religious ceremony, or a blend (including cultural practices and personal touches).
- Ask for a clear written quote and confirm what’s included vs third-party costs (venue, notices, flowers, celebrant, etc.).
7) First estate tasks
Safeguard first, then documents, then the legal process.
- Locate any will and identify who the executor is (or who will apply to administer the estate if there’s no will).
- Secure the home and valuables; check insurance requirements if the property will be empty.
- Gather key documents: ID, bank details, insurance info, property papers, KiwiSaver details, and any notes about digital accounts.
- If pets are involved, make short-term care arrangements quickly.
⚠️ NZ fraud and pressure warnings (important)
Bereaved families are often targeted. Use simple rules to protect yourself.
- Be cautious of unexpected calls/messages claiming to be “urgent lawyers,” banks, or government agencies. Don’t share personal information unless you initiated the contact using a trusted number.
- Watch for pressure tactics: “You must decide today,” “This offer expires now,” or “Everyone chooses this upgrade.” You can say: “Please email it. We’ll decide tomorrow.”
- Reduce identity theft risk: secure mail, keep IDs/documents together, and avoid posting sensitive details publicly.
Common questions
Quick answers to reduce uncertainty.
Do we need a funeral director?
No — it’s optional — but many people find it helpful for guidance, paperwork, and logistics. You can also arrange things yourself if you feel comfortable doing so.
How many death certificates should we order?
Many organisations ask for evidence of death. Consider ordering multiple certified copies if you expect to contact banks, insurers, KiwiSaver, and multiple providers — and check whether originals are required before ordering extras.
What if the Coroner is involved?
Coroner involvement can change timelines and paperwork. Ask what you can do now (planning, notifying whānau) and what must wait (certain documents or final registration steps).
Next steps
Pick the one that matches what you can handle today.