Confirming and registering the death
Registering the death and getting a death certificate
Notifying Births, Death and Marriages so that the death can be registered
Births, Death, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995, ss 42, 47, 48
After the deceased’s body has been buried, cremated or disposed of another way, Births, Deaths and Marriages at the Department of Internal Affairs must be notified. This must be done within three working days.
If an undertaker or funeral director is in charge of dealing with the body, they’ll take care of notifying Births, Deaths and Marriages. If you’re not using an undertaker or funeral director, this will be the responsibility of the person in charge of the body, which will usually be the executor under the deceased’s will or, if there’s no will, the closest relative (see: “Decisions about the deceased’s body”).
You’ll need to fill out the special form for this, called a “Notification of Death for Registration” form (BDM 28). To get a copy of this form, download it from the New Zealand Government website, phone Births, Deaths and Marriages on 0800 22 52 52 or go to one of their offices. Offices are located in Auckland, Manukau, Wellington, Christchurch, Sydney and London.
It doesn’t cost anything to register a death, but there is a charge if you want a copy of the death certificate (see below).
Getting a copy of the Death Certificate
When Births, Deaths and Marriages have officially registered the death, they’ll issue a New Zealand Death Certificate.
Having a copy of the Death Certificate can be important, for example, for getting funds released from the deceased’s bank when probate or letters of administration are not required (see: “When court approval isn’t needed”).
To get a copy of the certificate you’ll need to apply for it and pay the relevant fee. For a certificate sent by standard mail to a New Zealand or overseas address, this is $35. You can apply when you fill out the notification form (see above) or at a later date.
