Body Collection and Transportation
You do not need any special licences or endorsements to transport a body, unless you are a funeral director. Anyone with a valid driver’s licence can transport the body within New Zealand. Read more about the legalities of transporting a body.
Preparing to collect the body
If you plan to use the services of a funeral director, they will arrange collection of the body for you. If you are planning on transporting the body yourself there are some things you will need to consider:
- When collecting a body from a funeral home, you will need to view and identify the body before it can be moved.
- A body should not be visible while being transported so it should be covered in some way or in a coffin, casket or shroud. Find coffins and shrouds that are available to buy in New Zealand.
- There is no requirement around what type of vehicle can be used to transport a body, but a large station wagon or a van is probably the most practical.
Tips for transporting a body yourself
- Make sure that the body is secured to stop it from moving around inside the vehicle.
- Keep the temperature in the car as cool as possible.
- It is a legal requirement that you make every effort to preserve the dignity of the deceased.
- For a longer journey, you might want to consider packing bags of ice around the body.
Transporting ashes from overseas
Human remains, including cremation ashes, are not permitted to be sent by international post. If the ashes are overseas, there are various methods for returning them including air freight, courier service or even hand luggage on the aircraft with an accompanying person as long as all the documentation is in order.
Air transport of human remains
Domestic
The body does not need to be embalmed for domestic flights with Air New Zealand, however, it is essential that specified packaging, sealing and documentation requirements are adhered to as otherwise the casket will not be able to be accepted for transportation.
International
If you’re bringing human remains into New Zealand, you need to email New Zealand Customs scanned copies of your documentation and note “Urgent – Human remains” in the subject line.
Air New Zealand will only accept human remains for transport from funeral directors, New Zealand District Health Boards (DHBs) or the New Zealand Police. Anyone organising their own funeral can pick up the human remains from the destination cargo depot. Read more about repatriation (bringing a body back to New Zealand).
Air transport of a body
New Zealand Customs can support you with any requests for bringing human remains into New Zealand. There are also strict requirements you will need to follow if you are transporting a body with Air New Zealand within the country.