Funeral Documents
When a loved one passes, there are some official documents that need to be taken care of; one of these documents is the official Death Certificate. This certificate is an official document which is kept at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages— this is separate from the Cause of Death Certificate which will be signed by a doctor, nurse practitioner or Coroner.
In New Zealand, a Death Certificate is legally required, and the length of time it takes to be issued by the Registry can vary; sometimes, it is a matter of days, or it can take several weeks.
When a loved one passes, there are some official documents that need to be taken care of; one of these documents is the official Death Certificate. This certificate is an official document which is kept at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages— this is separate from the Cause of Death Certificate which will be signed by a doctor, nurse practitioner or Coroner.
In New Zealand, a Death Certificate is legally required, and the length of time it takes to be issued by the Registry can vary; sometimes, it is a matter of days, or it can take several weeks.
How do I obtain a Death Certificate in NZ?
Your funeral director can assist you with the application process, which involves filling out a registration application form.
You will need to collect information about the deceased to add to this form, including details of all marriages, the names and occupations of their parents, the mother’s maiden name and some other details such as the names and dates of birth of their children.
It will help if you can find marriage and birth certificates before addressing this form, and you will need to register the occupation, residential address, place of birth and death of your loved one.
The form includes a question on religion, and you will need to state where the person will be buried or cremated, their date of birth, and your relationship to the deceased. To help you collate all the required information, we have added a list at the bottom of this page.
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
There will be different steps required to complete the forms for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, depending on the circumstances. The certificate will be completed and signed by a doctor or nurse practitioner or by the Coroner, and the funeral director will need to see this certificate before the funeral arrangements can be finalised.
There are a range of categories for cause of death; these include expected or natural causes, unexpected or accidental, and there is a category for deaths resulting from foul play. If a doctor is not able to definitively identify a cause of death, the Coroner will step in to establish the facts. They will do this by talking to the doctor and having a pathologist assist—or sometimes an autopsy will be required.
If the Coroner is identifying the cause of death, our funeral director can liaise with the office on your behalf to obtain the required certification so your service can go ahead. We are here to help remove stress during what can be an overwhelming process, so make sure you reach out if you need our support.
Funeral Document FAQs
How much does a certificate cost in New Zealand?Â
As of 2024, the standard fee is around NZD $25, but fees can vary depending on how you apply and there are additional fees if you need to fast-track your application or you need more than one copy.
Who can apply for a certificate?Â
Usually, immediate family members apply. Anyone can apply, but if you’re not an immediate family member, you may be asked to provide a reason for your request.Â
Can I get a certificate if the death was not registered?Â
If the death wasn’t registered, you could face delays in obtaining a certificate. If this is the case, you will need to contact Births, Deaths and Marriages to find out how to proceed with registration.
Can the certificate be amended if there is an error?Â
Yes, if you discover an error on a death certificate, such as a misspelt name or incorrect information, you can request a correction. You will need some proof of the correct information before a change can be processed.
Information Required for Death Certificate
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Place of Death
- Residential Address
- Occupation
- Place of Birth
- Marital Status at Time of
- Death
- All Marriages
- Parents’ Names &
- Occupations
- Mother’s Maiden Surname
- Children’s Names, Dates of
- Birth & Ages
- Place of Burial or Cremation
- Religion (If Applicable)
- Applicant’s Relationship to the Deceased
Get Help Now
At the Natural Funeral Company, we are here to support and guide you when you need to plan a funeral for a loved one. Please reach out to get some help with documents or to get assistance with anything else that you need.