You don't have to do this alone. If you need someone to talk to, the numbers below are free and available now. For longer-term support, there are good options too.
Crisis lines — available now
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Need to talk? (free, 24/7) | 1737 (call or text) |
| Lifeline | 0800 543 354 |
| Samaritans | 0800 726 666 |
| Youthline | 0800 376 633 |
Bereavement support
| Service | What they offer | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hospice NZ | Bereavement support for up to 14 months after death. Contact your local hospice. | Free |
| Skylight Trust | Grief support, counselling, resources for adults and children. | From $130+GST/session |
| The Grief Centre | Support groups and counselling — face-to-face, phone, or video. | Varies |
| EAP (via your employer) | Short-term counselling — ask your HR team. | Free (employer-funded) |
| Aoake te Ra | Support for those who have lost someone to suicide. | Free |
Support for children
| Service | What |
|---|---|
| Skylight Trust | Resources and programmes for grieving children and young people |
| Kenzie's Gift | Child bereavement support |
| Cloud Workshop | Free, Auckland, ages 5–18 |
| Seasons for Growth | School-based grief programme |
| Mana Ake | Wellbeing support in Canterbury schools |
Bereavement leave
Under the Holidays Act 2003, if you have been employed for 6 months or more:
| Relationship to the deceased | Leave |
|---|---|
| Spouse/partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, spouse's parent | 3 days |
| Other person (if employer accepts you have suffered a bereavement) | 1 day |
3 days is not enough. Most people need more time. Talk to your employer — many will offer additional leave, flexible working, or unpaid leave. Your EAP service can also help you navigate this conversation.
For employers
If you're an employer and a staff member has been bereaved:
- Bereavement leave is a minimum, not a target. Three days is rarely enough. Consider offering additional paid leave, flexible hours, or a phased return.
- Tangihanga and Pacific mourning practices require more than 3 days. Be aware of your employee's cultural needs.
- Tell them about EAP. Many employees don't know they have access to free counselling through your Employee Assistance Programme.
- Reduce the admin burden. Handle as much internal paperwork as you can without requiring their input. Let them know about any group life insurance or death-in-service benefit.
- Check in after they return. The first few weeks back are often the hardest. A brief, private conversation goes further than a card.
- Be flexible on performance. Grief affects concentration, memory, and energy for months. Adjust expectations quietly.
If your employee has lost someone, consider sharing this site with them. It walks through everything they need to do, step by step.
Cultural & religious support
Tangihanga, Pacific mourning customs, and religious funeral requirements all have specific practices and timelines. We have a dedicated guide covering Maori, Samoan, Tongan, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Christian customs.
Sources
Bereavement leave: Holidays Act 2003 · Support services: govt.nz
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.