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At home
Suddenly or in an accident
In a hospital or rest home
Overseas
- First, contact the deceased person’s doctor. If the doctor has treated
the deceased in the last month and can confirm the cause of death, a Medical Certificate of Death will be issued.
- Next, contact a Griefcare accredited funeral
director who will provide all the advice and assistance you will need.
- If the death is sudden or accidental, the doctor will notify police. The
deceased should not be moved or disturbed in any way without the authorisation
of the coroner or their representative. The
police will arrange for the deceased to be taken to a public mortuary.
- The coroner will investigate and ascertain the cause of death, which may
involve a pathologist carrying out a detailed medical examination. This is
known as a post mortem examination or autopsy. Having established the cause of
death, the coroner may decide to hold an inquest into the circumstances
relevant at the time of death. This is a formal hearing in a court of law.
- When a coroner is involved, it is still necessary to contact a funeral
director to attend to the funeral arrangements.
- A sister or nurse in charge will be able to assist with formalities, and
arrange for the doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Death.
- If the deceased wished to be cremated, notify the hospital or nursing home
immediately, as additional documentation needs to be prepared. Advising them
early will avoid possible delays.
- Notify a Griefcare accredited funeral
director immediately, so they can make arrangements to transport the
deceased home, and attend to any statutory or customs requirements.
- When a person dies in New Zealand and arrangements need to be made to send
the deceased back to their homeland, a funeral director will liaise with the
New Zealand Government departments and Consulate General of the deceased .s
homeland and prepare the necessary documentation.
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