Nz Herald Obituary Notices (2024)

FAQs

How to find out if someone has died in NZ? ›

If you want information about someone who has died, you can order a death certificate. If you know the deceased's full name and the year you think they died, you could order a death certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriage (BDM). All deaths in New Zealand must be registered with BDM.

New Zealand registered historic birth, death and marriage data is available to search online at https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz, where associated printouts and certificates can be ordered for the following: Births that occurred at least 100 years ago.

The key difference between an obituary and a death notice is the length. Death notices are very brief. Within just a few sentences, a death notice describes the need-to-know facts surrounding an individual's passing. An obituary is longer in length, and provides a more detailed announcement.

Things to do in the first days after someone dies

Arrange for a death notice in the local or national newspaper, or social media. Register the death within 3 days of the burial or cremation. Before the body is buried or cremated, get a medical certificate or Coroner's Authorisation.

New Zealand birth, death, marriage, civil union and name change certificates are public records. In most cases, they can be ordered by anyone.

Reasons a Family Might Not Want to Write an Obituary

Some may feel that it is too personal or private to share with the public, while others may not have the financial means to pay for its publication. Additionally, some families may prefer to grieve privately and not draw attention to the death.

A Fitting—and Safe—Tribute

Protect your loved one's identity even after they pass by avoiding using too many specific details in their obituary. Consider only using the first names of relatives, for instance. Or mention their military service but not their regiment number or other details.

Obituary Example: No Funeral or Memorial

[Full name] sadly passed away on [date of death] at their home in [place of passing]. They always spread joy and happiness wherever they went. As per [first name]'s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

Having obtained probate or letters of administration, an executor or administrator will typically set up an account called “the estate of [deceased's name]”. The bank will then transfer funds from the deceased customer's accounts to the estate account before closing the individual's accounts.

Who do you call when someone dies at home in NZ? ›

When someone dies at home you'll need to: call 111 and ask for an ambulance and police if the death was unexpected, or. call their doctor if the death was expected - this can wait until morning if the person died overnight.

The embassy or consulate can make enquiries

The embassy or consulate will then contact the local authorities, such as the municipality or the police. If you receive information from anyone else about the situation of your partner, relative or friend, let the ministry know immediately.

Who can verify that a person is dead? "Medical practitioners, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, enrolled nurses, midwives, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and intensive care paramedics are authorised by the Chief Coroner to verify death."

Welcome to the Birth, Death and Marriage Historical Records website. You can search and order New Zealand Government records for births, deaths and marriages (BDM) here. The historic data available for you to search is limited so that information relating to people who might still be alive, can be protected.

Most of the time, if an obituary is available online, you will be able to find it with a Google search. However, if you still fail to see the results you want, consider looking through the websites of local funeral homes or newspapers.