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Family law
Euthanasia and assisted dying
In 2020 there was a referendum asking voters if the End of Life Choice Act should become law. A majority of voters said “yes” and the law came into effect on 7 November 2021 so that terminally ill people have the choice to ask their doctor to end their life. For more information on assisted dying, see the chapter, “Decision making and powers of attorney”.
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A death in the family
Confirmation of the cause of death – Coroners
www.coronialservices.justice.govt.nz
The website of Coronial Services of New Zealand has information about the role of coroners in investigating the causes of deaths.
Registering a death
www.govt.nz/organisations/births-deaths-and-marriages
The Births, Deaths and Marriages section of the Department of Internal Affairs has information on its website about registering deaths.
Burial and cremation
Local council websites have information about burial and cremation in their particular areas.
Financial support for bereaved families
Work and Income’s website has information about possible financial support for funerals and tangihanga. Click on “Benefits and payments / Urgent or unexpected costs”.
ACC‘s website has information about different types of accident compensation and payments that can be made to family members when a person has died in an accident. Go to: www.acc.co.nz , and click on “I’m injured / Types of financial support / Financial support if someone has died”.
Gathering kaimoana for tangihanga
www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/maori-customary-fishing
The Ministry of Primary Industries has information on its website about Māori customary rights for gathering kaimoana for tangihanga, hui and other traditional purposes.
Organ donation
The website of Organ Donation New Zealand has information about organ and tissue donation.
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