▻  When Someone Dies
 ▻  First Steps 
 ▻  Who to Notify  
 ▻  Burial or Cremation
 ▻  Transfers (NZ & International)
 ▻  Funeral Timing
 ▻  Embalming
 ▻  Death Registration

Aoraki Funeral Services will be with you every step of the way. Our team of professionals are here to listen and guide you through all your options. We have designed our website to be informative to offer advice and clarity to those essential questions.

What happens now?

When a death occurs, medical and legal professionals have several duties to perform.

Listed below are some of the steps that may help you transition gently and correctly through initial arrangements.

If you are alone, your first call could be to a family member or close friend who may be able to offer you immediate support and assistance. 

​When death is expected, for example, after a long illness, contact your loved one’s family doctor. He/she will visit and sight the deceased person and issue a Certificate of Cause of Death

If you know that the deceased wished to be cremated, the doctor will also issue a cremation form. Once this is done, it’s time to contact Aoraki Funeral Services. When an unexpected death occurs, contact emergency services in the first instance. The death may be referred to the Coroner’s Office. Generally, this happens if death occurs due to accident, suicide or death without warning, or when the deceased identity is unknown. When a death is referred to the Coroner, it would be wise to notify your funeral director as soon as possible.

​Please note that you are not obligated to continue using the funeral director who transported your loved one to the Coroner.

Transferring your loved one

If your loved one has died at a hospital or retirement home, contact us directly or advise the hospital or rest home to initially liaise with Aoraki Funeral Services on your behalf. This will avoid the unnecessary expense of transporting your loved one’s remains to the Morgue or another funeral home.

Next, you notify the next of kin and family members. It can be difficult, and it may be easier to have a delegated family member pass on the sad news. 
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Funeral instructions may have been noted in the deceased person’s Will, therefore notifying their Solicitor or Executor is advisable before planning a service.

Our Funeral directors are always available to help and can assist you in choosing the service that works best for your family and circumstances. You are welcome to contact us with any questions