Legal Framework Around Death
It can feel like there are a lot of rules, paperwork and requirements to follow when it comes to death. Here we explain these requirements, why they are in place, and what you can and cannot do so that you feel empowered in your journey.
Legal requirements when someone dies
There are legal requirements when it comes to death, especially around paperwork, handling dead bodies, ensuring they are treated with respect and are appropriately contained prior to being interred.
Burial and Cremation Act 1964
The Burial and Cremation Act 1964 is why the only options available here in New Zealand are burial, cremation or donating to medical science and why there are such strict rules around burial and cremation. The laws about burial grounds do not apply to Urupā reservations (Māori burial grounds) Read more.
Health (burial) Regulations 1946
These regulations dictate the rules around funeral directors and mortuaries. They also specify the requirements for handling and transportation of dead bodies. It’s worth noting that there’s no specific time when a body must be buried or cremated. Section 35(a) just requires it to happen ‘before a nuisance is created by decomposition’. This means you can take the reasonable time you need to say goodbye.
Cremation Regulations 1973
These regulations specify how crematoria must operate, their duty to ensure cremation is conducted safely, appropriately and with adequate record keeping and controls. It also sets out the requirements for conducting a cremation outside of a crematorium, as preferred by some religious denominations. There are very tight controls around this and permission needs to be granted by a medical officer.
Law Commission Review
In 2013 the New Zealand Law Commission conducted a review into the legal framework for burial and cremation in New Zealand. They wanted to assess whether the current legal tools and requirements were fit for purpose and met the diverse needs of New Zealanders. They recommended that the law be amended to better meet people’s needs and simplify processes. In 2016 the government acknowledged this report but has not committed to any legislative changes.
What does an executor do?
According to case law in New Zealand, it is the executor of your will that has the primary responsibility to either organise or delegate organising your funeral. They also have the legal authority (established by the New Zealand Courts) to override family wishes, and even your own wishes unless those wishes are expressly directed in your will.
When writing your will, and when pre-planning your funeral, choose your executor carefully and discuss with them what you want to happen, for both your will and your funeral.
Who makes decisions once someone dies?
Once you die the power to make decisions (for example relating funerals and burial) lies with the executor or administrator of your will.
Prior to death, decisions about care and welfare are likely to be taken by either someone appointed under a power of attorney or the next of kin. Often the personal representatives will be the same people but that is not necessarily the case.
Wills frequently (but not always) contain funeral instructions so it can be worth checking the will.
The executor of your will has the primary responsibility to either organise or delegate your funeral organisation.
