Funeral Wishes (New Zealand)
FUNERAL WISHES
This document records the Funeral Wishes of [Maker Name], born [Maker Date of Birth], of [Maker Address].
Prepared on: [Document Date]
This document is intended to guide my family, executor, and funeral director when making arrangements following my death. While it is not legally binding (under the Burial and Cremation Act 1964, the right to deal with my remains rests with my executor or next of kin), I ask that my wishes be respected to the greatest extent practicable. A copy of this document should be given to my executor and to the contact person named below.
1. CONTACT PERSON
The person responsible for carrying out my funeral wishes is: Name: [Contact Person Name] Relationship: [Contact Person Relationship] Phone: [Contact Person Phone]
2. BODY DISPOSAL
2.1 Method: My preference is for [Disposal Method].
2.2 Ashes (if cremation): [Cremation Ashes Wish]
2.3 Burial location (if burial): [Burial Location]
3. FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE
3.1 Type of service: [Service Type].
3.2 Location: [Service Location].
3.3 Religious, spiritual, or cultural preferences: [Religious Preferences]
4. MUSIC AND READINGS
4.1 Music: [Music Preferences]
4.2 Readings and tributes: [Reading Preferences]
5. FLOWERS AND DONATIONS
5.1 Flowers: [Flower Preferences]
5.2 Charitable donations: [Charitable Donations]
6. FUNERAL DIRECTOR
6.1 Preferred funeral director preference: [Has Funeral Director Preference]. Preferred funeral director: [Funeral Director Name]
6.2 Pre-paid arrangements in place: [Prepaid Arrangements]. Details: [Prepaid Arrangements Details]
7. ADDITIONAL WISHES
[Additional Wishes]
SIGNATURE
SIGNED by [Maker Name] on [Document Date] Signature: _________________________ Full Name: [Maker Name] Date of Birth: [Maker Date of Birth] Note: I recommend that my executor and the contact person named above each receive a signed copy of this document, and that a further copy be kept with my will.
What Is a Funeral Wishes (New Zealand)?
A Funeral Wishes in New Zealand records arrangements for dealing with a person's estate and the distribution of assets among beneficiaries, consistent with succession requirements under the Wills Act 2007.
In New Zealand, the legal framework for the disposal of human remains is set out in the Burial and Cremation Act 1964. Under this Act, the executor of a deceased person's estate — or, where there is no will or no executor, the next of kin in order of legal priority — has the right to deal with the deceased's remains and to make funeral arrangements. A Funeral Wishes document does not legally bind the executor or next of kin, but it provides clear guidance about the deceased's intentions and is almost always honoured in practice.
Funeral planning in New Zealand is shaped by the country's rich cultural diversity. The indigenous Māori tradition of tangihanga (tangi) is one of the most culturally significant practices in New Zealand society and is widely observed across the country. Tangihanga involves the tupapaku (deceased) being laid in state at a marae (communal meeting place) for one to several days, during which whānau, hapū, and iwi gather to mourn and farewell the deceased according to tikanga (customary protocols). For Māori individuals, a Funeral Wishes document should address whether tangihanga protocols are to be followed and, if so, which iwi and marae are relevant.
New Zealand's multicultural population also means that funeral arrangements may need to reflect the traditions of Pasifika, Asian, European, and other communities. A clearly written Funeral Wishes document is the best way to confirm that a person's cultural and religious preferences are known and honoured.
From a practical perspective, funerals in New Zealand are typically arranged within two to three days of death, and decisions must be made quickly. A Funeral Wishes document that is readily accessible — not locked away or stored where it cannot be easily found — removes uncertainty and prevents conflict at a difficult time for the family.
The document also provides an opportunity to record practical information: the name and contact details of a preferred funeral director, details of any pre-paid funeral plan, cemetery plot details, and wishes about charitable donations. This practical information can save the family significant time and stress.
When Do You Need a Funeral Wishes (New Zealand)?
A Funeral Wishes document is appropriate for any adult who wishes to confirm that their preferences are known and followed after their death. The following circumstances particularly highlight its value.
As part of estate planning. A Funeral Wishes document naturally accompanies a will, enduring power of attorney, and living will as part of a thorough estate plan. Completing these documents together confirms that both financial and personal matters are addressed for the future.
When approaching a serious illness. If a person is facing a terminal or serious illness, preparing a Funeral Wishes document while they still have capacity and energy to think carefully about their preferences is valuable. It relieves family members of the burden of guessing what the person would have wanted at an emotionally difficult time.
When pre-paying for a funeral. Anyone who enters into a pre-paid funeral plan should also complete a Funeral Wishes document. The two documents work together: the pre-paid plan secures the financial arrangements, while the Funeral Wishes document records the details of what those arrangements should include.
For people with specific cultural or religious preferences. For Māori individuals who wish tangihanga protocols to be followed, or for people of specific religious faiths with particular funeral customs, a written document is essential to confirm that those preferences are communicated and followed.
Following the death of a loved one. Many people are prompted to prepare their own Funeral Wishes document after experiencing the difficulty of organising a funeral for a family member who left no guidance. The experience of dealing with uncertainty and potential family disagreement is a powerful motivation to put one's own wishes in writing.
For blended families. In blended families where relationships may be complex, a clearly written Funeral Wishes document reduces the risk of disputes between different family members about funeral arrangements.
The document should be reviewed and updated periodically, particularly after significant changes in health, family circumstances, or personal preferences.
What to Include in Your Funeral Wishes (New Zealand)
A thorough New Zealand Funeral Wishes document should address several key elements to provide maximum clarity and guidance to the executor and family.
Personal identification. The document should clearly identify the maker by their full legal name, date of birth, and address. This confirms the document can be correctly matched to the right person.
Contact person. The document should name a specific contact person — typically the executor of the will or a trusted family member — who is responsible for carrying out the funeral wishes. Their relationship to the maker and their contact details should be provided.
Body disposal preference. The maker's preference for cremation, burial, green burial, or other form of disposal should be clearly stated. For cremation, specific wishes about what to do with the ashes should be included. For burial, the preferred cemetery and any existing plot arrangements should be noted.
Funeral or memorial service. The type of service — religious, secular, or private — should be specified. The preferred location, officiant, and any specific elements of the service should be described.
Cultural and religious preferences. For Māori individuals, whether tangihanga protocols should be followed, and which marae and iwi are relevant, should be addressed. For people of other faiths, the specific religious customs and community contacts should be noted.
Music, readings, and tributes. Specific music, hymns, songs, poems, and readings are often deeply meaningful and provide comfort to mourners. Recording these preferences removes guesswork from the family.
Flowers and charitable donations. Whether the maker prefers flowers or charitable donations — and which charity — should be stated.
Funeral director preference. If the maker has a preferred funeral director or has entered into a pre-paid funeral plan, the details should be recorded.
Additional personal messages. The document may include a personal note or message to family and friends, wishes about the post-service reception, dress code, or any other matter important to the maker.
Signature and date. The document should be signed and dated to confirm that it represents the maker's genuine wishes as at that date. The forms-legal.com Funeral Wishes (New Zealand) provides a ready-to-use template that meets New Zealand legal requirements.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Funeral Wishes (New Zealand) (New Zealand) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/estate-planning/estate/funeral-wishes-new-zealand
"Funeral Wishes (New Zealand) (New Zealand)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/estate-planning/estate/funeral-wishes-new-zealand.
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title = {Funeral Wishes (New Zealand) (New Zealand)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/estate-planning/estate/funeral-wishes-new-zealand}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Wills Act 2007}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Funeral wishes as expressed in a document like this are generally not legally binding in New Zealand. Under the Burial and Cremation Act 1964, the right to deal with a deceased person's body rests with the executor named in their will, or if there is no will or no executor, with the deceased's next of kin in order of priority. The person with the right to deal with the body makes the funeral arrangements and is not legally obliged to follow the deceased's expressed wishes, though in practice they almost always do where the wishes are known and practicable. The courts have confirmed in New Zealand case law that a deceased person does not have property rights in their own body, so instructions in a will or a separate document are guidance rather than binding obligations. Nevertheless, expressing your wishes clearly in writing is valuable: it removes uncertainty and potential conflict for your family at a difficult time, and provides a clear guide to the person making arrangements. Your wishes should be kept somewhere accessible — not locked away in a safe — so that they can be found promptly after your death, as funeral arrangements are typically made within a few days.
Cremation in New Zealand is regulated by the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 and the Cremation Regulations 1973. Before a cremation can take place, specific certificates must be obtained. A death certificate or interim death certificate must be issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. A medical certificate of cause of death (Form 17) must be completed by the deceased's doctor. In most cases, a second medical certificate (Form 18) from an independent doctor must also be obtained. If the death was unnatural, accidental, or the cause is unknown, the Coroner will be involved and must authorise the cremation. The Coroner's Act 2006 provides for the Coroner's jurisdiction over such deaths. Cremations must be carried out at a licensed crematorium. In New Zealand, ashes may generally be scattered on private land with the landowner's permission, at sea, or in other locations subject to applicable local authority rules — for example, scattering in public parks or on beaches may require permission from the relevant local council or Department of Conservation.
Tangihanga (often referred to simply as tangi) is the traditional Māori funeral ceremony and is one of the most culturally significant practices in Māori society. A tangihanga involves the tupapaku (deceased person) being laid in state, typically at a marae (communal meeting place), where they are farewelled over one to three days (or longer for significant leaders). Whānau (family), hapū (sub-tribe), and iwi (tribe) gather to mourn, share memories, and support the bereaved family through waiata (songs), karakia (prayers), and oratory (whaikōrero). The tangihanga follows specific tikanga (customs) that vary between iwi and hapū. The Burial and Cremation Act 1964 applies to Māori as well as non-Māori, but the Act contains provisions that recognise Māori customs. The Act allows burials to take place on Māori land in certain circumstances. For a Māori person who wishes tangihanga protocols to be followed, this should be clearly expressed in their funeral wishes and communicated to family and the funeral director.
Yes. Pre-paid funeral plans are available from many New Zealand funeral directors and allow you to arrange and pay for your funeral in advance, either as a lump sum or by instalments. Pre-paying locks in today's prices and relieves your family of the financial burden of funeral costs at a difficult time. Funerals in New Zealand typically cost between NZD $5,000 and $20,000 or more depending on the type of service and whether burial or cremation is chosen. When considering a pre-paid funeral plan, it is important to check how the funds are held — whether in a trust, insurance policy, or other mechanism — and what happens if the funeral director goes out of business before your death. The New Zealand Funeral Directors Association (NZFDA) provides guidance on selecting a reputable funeral director and on pre-paid funeral plans. Details of any pre-paid arrangements should be clearly noted in your Funeral Wishes document so that your family and executor can contact the funeral director promptly. A copy of your pre-paid agreement should also be kept with your will and other important documents.
Disputes about funeral arrangements between family members are unfortunately not uncommon, particularly in blended families or where family relationships are strained. In New Zealand, the general legal principle is that the executor named in the deceased's will has the right to make funeral arrangements. If there is no will, the next of kin in order of legal priority has that right. If family members cannot agree and urgency requires a decision, the High Court may be asked to resolve the dispute in extreme cases, though this is rare and costly. The most effective way to prevent disputes is to record clear, specific funeral wishes in writing and to communicate those wishes to both the executor and the wider family while you are alive. Engaging a reputable funeral director promptly also helps, as funeral directors are experienced in managing family dynamics at difficult times. The New Zealand Funeral Directors Association (NZFDA) can provide a list of accredited funeral directors who subscribe to its code of ethics.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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