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Cultural & religious guidance

Every culture has its own way. This page covers the main customs and practical requirements in NZ.

Every culture and faith has its own way of honouring the dead. This page outlines key customs and practical requirements. If you're unsure, reach out to your community elders, religious leaders, or whanau — they will guide you.

Tangihanga (Maori)

The tangihanga is a central part of te ao Maori. It typically takes place over 3 days on a marae, though practices vary between iwi and whanau.

Day 1 — Arrival

  • Tupapaku (the deceased) is brought to the marae in procession
  • Powhiri (formal welcome) for manuhiri (visitors)
  • Whaikorero (speeches) and waiata (songs)
  • Tupapaku lies in state in the wharenui (meeting house)
  • Whanau keep vigil — someone is always with the tupapaku

Days 2–3 — Lying in state

  • Continuous receiving of visitors — the marae is open
  • Sharing of stories, memories, and grief
  • Communal meals prepared by ringawera (kitchen workers)
  • Kaumatua (elders) guide proceedings
  • Karakia (prayers) throughout

Final day — Burial

  • Final farewell speeches
  • Tupapaku taken to urupa (burial ground)
  • Burial is traditionally preferred, though cremation is gaining acceptance
  • Hakari (feast) follows the burial

Practical notes: Tangihanga often runs whanau-led, without a funeral director. The coroner can prioritise early release of a body for tangihanga. Employers should be aware that 3 days of bereavement leave is not enough — tangihanga alone requires 3+ days, and whanau may need to travel.

Financial support for tangihanga

  • MSD funeral grant (up to $2,616.12) — see financial help
  • ACC funeral grant if accident-related (~$7,880)
  • Whanau, hapu, and iwi contributions
  • Community fundraising

Pacific communities

Samoan (Fa'a Samoa)

  • Extended mourning period, often a week or more
  • Orator chief (tulafale) coordinates proceedings
  • Fa'alavelave — family and community contribute financially and practically
  • Church is central to the funeral service
  • Large gatherings are expected — hosting and feeding many people is part of the process

Tongan

  • Communal grief with large gatherings
  • Ta'ovala (woven mat) worn as mourning dress
  • Hair cutting ceremony after approximately 10 days
  • Extended mourning periods are the norm

Cook Islands and Fijian

  • Similar communal approaches with church involvement
  • Extended family expected to gather and contribute

Financial pressure is real. Pacific funeral customs can involve significant costs from hosting, feeding, and cultural obligations. The MSD funeral grant and community contributions can help, but plan ahead where possible. There is no shame in keeping things simple.

Religious requirements

Muslim

  • Burial within 24 hours if possible — urgency is important
  • No cremation
  • Body washed (ghusl) by same-gender family members
  • Wrapped in plain white cloth (kafan)
  • Buried facing Mecca
  • The New Zealand Muslim Association (NZMA) is a registered funeral director and can coordinate Muslim burials

Jewish

  • Burial as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours
  • No cremation (Orthodox). Reform communities may allow it.
  • Chevra Kadisha (burial society) prepares the body
  • Simple wooden casket — no metal fittings
  • Shiva — 7 days of mourning at home

Hindu

  • Cremation preferred
  • Eldest son traditionally lights the pyre or presses the button at the crematorium
  • Shradh ceremony performed
  • 13-day mourning period

Buddhist

  • Cremation is common
  • Chanting and prayers by monks or family
  • Body should be left undisturbed for a period after death
  • Monks may be invited to lead ceremonies

Sikh

  • Cremation
  • Akhand Path — continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib
  • Simple casket

Catholic

  • Last Rites (Anointing of the Sick) before death if possible — contact a priest
  • Burial or cremation both acceptable
  • Funeral Mass is the central ceremony

Protestant and other Christian

  • Funeral service led by minister or pastor
  • Burial or cremation — varies by denomination
  • Contact the deceased's church community

Most NZ funeral directors can accommodate religious and cultural requirements. If you need specific arrangements (e.g., 24-hour burial, no embalming, particular body preparation), tell the funeral director upfront so they can plan accordingly.

Organ and tissue donation

  • New Zealand has no official donor register
  • The donor indication on a driver's licence is not legally binding
  • The family will always be asked — their decision is what matters
  • The most important thing you can do is have the conversation now with your family, so they know your wishes

Contact: Organ Donation NZ

Body donation to science

  • University of Auckland (North Island) and University of Otago (South Island)
  • Governed by the Human Tissue Act 2008
  • Bodies are used for 2–3 years, then cremated and returned to the family
  • No cost to the family — but you must register in advance

The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional.

Dollar figures and entitlements change periodically. We link to authoritative sources where possible. Last reviewed: April 2026.

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