Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
If requested, New Zealand Embassies overseas and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade can assist following the death of a New Zealand citizen overseas.
If the deceased is not accompanied by next of kin or a close family member, arrangements are made for next of kin in New Zealand to be notified by the New Zealand Police.
The Ministry and the Embassy can help the family by:
When remains or ashes are being returned to New Zealand it is recommended that a funeral director in New Zealand be engaged to liaise with the overseas funeral director on arrangements. Assistance with this can be provided if necessary.
Depending on the cause of death, an autopsy or post-mortem may be required by the overseas authorities. This is governed by local law and regulations, and the New Zealand Government cannot intervene in these decisions. Local regulations and conditions may also cause delays in the release of remains for cremation, burial or return to New Zealand. Consular officials can liaise with local authorities but may not be able to hasten the local processes.
All costs associated with the death of a New Zealand citizen overseas, including funeral expenses or repatriation of remains to New Zealand and return of personal effects, are the responsibility of next of kin.
Useful Website Links
The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) can assist families in locating a funeral director in the relevant region in New Zealand.
Families are welcome to contact Victim Support directly for practical and emotional support following the loss of a family member overseas.
Where a New Zealander dies overseas as a result of an injury, the family may be entitled to a grant or payment from ACC to assist with costs. ACC cover extends to New Zealand residents taking short trips overseas.
In some circumstances a funeral grant is available from Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ).
Page last updated: Tuesday, 05 March 2013, 11:41 NZDT
