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Kia mau ki te aroha.

Hold fast to the love.

A free home for the stories, the waiata, the photos — for whānau across Aotearoa and across the moana to gather and remember.

Hangaia he whārangi · Create a page ANZAC Day

What to do when someone dies in Aotearoa

  1. 1

    Register the death within 3 working days

    Rēhitatia te matenga

    The funeral director normally lodges the BDM28 form with Births, Deaths and Marriages. Order at least 3 Death Certificates — banks, KiwiSaver, insurers and the estate each need one.

  2. 2

    Hold the tangihanga or funeral

    Whakahaerea te tangihanga

    A tangi at a marae usually runs over 3 days. Pākehā funerals are held in a chapel, funeral home, garden or beach over 5–7 days. The funeral director and kaumātua will guide you on tikanga and karakia.

  3. 3

    Claim the Funeral Grant from Work and Income or ACC

    Tonoa te tahua tangihanga

    MSD pays up to NZ$2,445 for low-income families. ACC pays up to NZ$7,827 if the death was accidental. Apply through workandincome.govt.nz.

  4. 4

    Notify KiwiSaver, banks and Inland Revenue

    Whakamōhio ki ngā umanga

    KiwiSaver funds go to the estate. The executor applies to the High Court for Probate if the estate is over NZ$15,000. Inland Revenue closes the IRD number after the final tax return.

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Common questions

How do I register a death in Aotearoa New Zealand?
The funeral director normally registers the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) within 3 working days using the BDM28 form. A Death Certificate is then issued (around NZ$33 standard, or NZ$60 urgent). Order at least 3 — banks, KiwiSaver providers, insurers and the estate each need one.
What is a tangihanga? · He aha te tangihanga?
A tangihanga (tangi) is the traditional Māori funeral, usually held on a marae over 3 days. Whānau and manuhiri (visitors) gather to mourn, speak, sing waiata and share kōrero about the tūpāpaku (the deceased). Many non-Māori funerals in Aotearoa also draw on tangi traditions. Pākehā funerals are typically held within 5–7 days, in a chapel, funeral home or natural setting.
Is there a Funeral Grant from Work and Income?
Yes. Work and Income (MSD) offers a Funeral Grant of up to NZ$2,445 (2024) to help with funeral costs for low-income families. ACC pays a funeral grant of up to NZ$7,827 if the death was caused by an accident. Apply at workandincome.govt.nz or call 0800 559 009.
When is ANZAC Day and how is it observed in NZ?
ANZAC Day falls on 25 April, marking the 1915 Gallipoli landing shared with Australia. Dawn services are held at war memorials across every region, from Auckland Domain to the Wellington Cenotaph and small rural memorials. The Last Post, minute's silence and laying of poppies are central. RSAs host services nationwide.
Is a TributeLegacy page free for Kiwi families?
Yes — it is free. Create a page in English with Te Reo greetings, add photos, waiata, the marae or chapel where the service is held, and invite whānau from across Aotearoa and overseas to leave a tribute, light a candle and share kōrero. There is no time limit.

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