What do I do when someone dies in New Zealand?

First, take your time — there is no rush. If the death was at home and expected, call the GP. If unexpected, call 111. Then contact close family, find the will (check with the deceased's solicitor or Public Trust), and choose a funeral director or arrange a family-led funeral. The death must be registered within 3 working days of burial or cremation.

How do I register a death in NZ?

The funeral director usually handles death registration with Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). If you're managing without a funeral director, you have 3 working days after burial or cremation to notify BDM. You'll need the medical certificate of cause of death and the deceased's personal details.

Who do I need to notify when someone dies?

Key contacts in the first week: Work and Income (to stop benefit/Super payments, 0800 559 009), the deceased's bank, life insurance provider, and employer. In the following weeks: IRD (0800 227 774), Waka Kotahi/NZTA, KiwiSaver provider, utilities, and subscriptions.

Do I need probate in New Zealand?

Probate is generally needed if the estate includes property or bank accounts above $15,000–$25,000 (thresholds vary by bank). For small estates without property, you may not need probate at all. The process takes 4–8 weeks for straightforward cases and costs approximately $200 (court fee) plus $2,000–$5,000 in solicitor fees.

Someone has just died

You don't need to do everything right now. There is no rush. Take the time you need. This page will still be here when you're ready.

Right now

The first thing to do

Where did the death happen?

At home

What to do if someone died at home

In hospital, hospice, or rest home

The staff will guide you — here's what to expect

First 48 hours

What matters right now

You can tick these off as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

Take your time. You can sit with your person. There is no rush to move them.
Call close family and whānau. You don't have to do this alone.
Find the will — check with the deceased's solicitor, Public Trust, or at home. The will may name a funeral director or express burial/cremation wishes.
Choose a funeral director — or decide on a family-led funeral. See funeral costs before you commit. You do not have to use the first one you call.
Notify the employer (if the deceased was working) — especially if there are pay, insurance, or ACC implications.

Was the death from an accident? You may be entitled to an ACC funeral grant of approximately $7,880 plus survivor entitlements. Call ACC: 0800 101 996

First week

Things that need to happen soon

Death registration — your funeral director usually handles this. If you're managing without one, you have 3 working days after burial/cremation to notify Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Order death certificates — get at least 5 copies (~$33 each). You'll need them for banks, insurance, probate, and other agencies.
Funeral arrangements — burial vs cremation, service details, cultural/religious requirements, death notices.
Notify Work and Income — stop any benefit or NZ Super payments to avoid overpayment. Call 0800 559 009.
Notify the deceased's bank(s) — they will freeze sole accounts to protect against fraud.
Start life insurance claim — contact the insurer with the policy number and death certificate.
Apply for the funeral grant if you need financial help — see financial help.

Weeks 2–8

Things that can wait a bit

These are important but not urgent. Work through them when you're ready.

Apply for probate — if the estate has significant assets. See wills & probate.
Notify IRD — a final tax return needs to be filed. Call 0800 227 774.
Notify Waka Kotahi / NZTA — cancel or transfer driver's licence, update vehicle registration.
Cancel or transfer — utilities, insurance, phone, internet, subscriptions.
Notify KiwiSaver provider — the balance is paid to the estate.
Redirect mail via NZ Post.
Social media accounts — see digital accounts.
See the full notification checklist for everything else.

Months 2–12+

Settling the estate

Collect estate assets — close accounts, sell property if needed.
Pay debts and liabilities — funeral costs are a first charge against the estate.
File final tax return with IRD.
Distribute the estate — wait at least 6 months from probate before final distribution.
Review your own will, EPA, and insurance — your circumstances have changed.

Need support?

1737 — Aotearoa's free national helpline. Call or text any time, trained counsellors answer. No referral, no cost.

Hospice NZ offers free bereavement support for up to 14 months — contact your local hospice.

Print a copy to keep on the fridge or share with family.

Home Funeral Costs