Guidance on burial, cremation and death documents

Legislation and guidance on burial and cremation of the deceased – including the death verification, and death certification requirements after a death.

Burial and Cremation Act 1964

This legislation covers the burial and cremation of the dead.
Verifying death

Guidelines for verifying death, including information about the process for verifying death, and roles and responsibilities.
Completing death documents

Guidance for completing the Medical Certificate Cause of Death online when using the Death Documents website.
Death Documents online service

We've made it simpler to complete the necessary medical documents required after a person dies.
Referring a death to the coroner

In certain cases, a health practitioner must report a death to the coroner.
Cremation Regulations 1973: Exemption from Regulation 7

Learn about Cremation Regulations 1973: Exemption from Regulation 7.
WHO cause-of-death certification

Information about the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the rules for health practitioners, guidelines for clinical coders.
Cause-of-death statistics

Information on causes of death has been published in New Zealand since 1872 for Europeans and 1920 for Māori.
End of Life Services - Te Hokinga ā Wairua (goes to another website)

Information about what to do, and services that might be available to you, following the death of a loved one.
Cremation

Information about the steps to approve for a cremation, the documentation required, and the role of medical referees.