Death Certificates in New Zealand: What to Know
When you have just lost someone close, the last thing you want to think about is paperwork. The good news is that, as part of every funeral we arrange, Waters Funerals handles the death registration process on your behalf.
We walk you through how death certificates work in New Zealand, what your family receives and when, and how to order additional copies later if you need them. If anything is unclear, just call us.
The Two Documents, And What Each One Is For
Most people use “death certificate” as a single phrase, but there are two separate documents involved when someone dies in New Zealand. Knowing the difference can save confusion later.
Medical Certificate Of Cause Of Death
This is completed by the doctor or coroner who confirms the death. It records the medical cause of death and is the document that legally allows a burial or cremation to proceed.
In New Zealand, this is now usually completed digitally through a government system called Death Documents, jointly run by the Department of Internal Affairs and Health New Zealand. You will not usually see this document yourself. It goes directly to us as the funeral director and to Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Standard Death Certificate
This is the official certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages once the death has been formally registered.
This is the document your family will usually use for the estate, banks, insurance companies, KiwiSaver providers, and any other organisation that needs proof of death. It does not show the cause of death by default.
How The Registration Process Works
Here is what happens, in order:
You do not need to manage this process yourself. We complete the forms with the family’s information, submit them, and pass the certificate on to you when it arrives.
The death is medically certified.
A doctor, or coroner in some circumstances, completes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
We collect your loved one and begin arrangements.
Once you have called us, we take care of everything to do with the funeral itself.
The funeral takes place,
either burial or cremation.
We register the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages.
By New Zealand law, the funeral director, or the person responsible for the burial or cremation, must notify BDM within three working days of the burial or cremation. We do this for you as standard.
BDM issues the Standard Death Certificate
and posts it to the address you have nominated.
How Long Does a Death Certificate Take?
Most families receive the Standard Death Certificate within 3 to 5 working days of the funeral. Sometimes it is faster, sometimes it takes a little longer depending on BDM workload and any verification needed. We will let you know the day it arrives.
If a coroner is involved, the process can take longer. This may happen where the death was unexpected, accidental, or requires investigation. The funeral can still proceed in most cases, but the final certificate may not be issued until the coroner releases their findings.
If your loved one’s death involves the coroner, we will explain what is happening and what to expect.
What Does a Death Certificate Cost?
Registering a death is free. There is no charge to register the death itself.
If you need additional copies of the death certificate, for example where multiple banks, insurance companies or government agencies want their own original, those are ordered from BDM at a per-certificate fee set by the Department of Internal Affairs. This fee changes from time to time.
We can order additional copies on your behalf as part of our service, or you can order them directly from BDM at any time.
How To Order Additional Death Certificate Copies
You can order extra copies in three ways:
Through us.
Just ask. We submit the order, BDM posts the certificates to you, and you pay only the BDM fee.
Online directly from BDM.
You will need a verified RealMe account and can order through the government certificate service.
By PDF application form.
If you are the executor, administrator or trustee of the estate, you may need to use the PDF application form rather than the online service.
Before you order extra copies, ask each organisation if they will accept a certified photocopy. Many banks and insurers will, which can save you ordering five or six originals when one or two may be enough.
What A Death Certificate Is Used For
Families typically need a death certificate for practical matters after the funeral, including:
If you are unsure how many copies you will realistically need, our usual suggestion is to order two to three originals at first, then only order more if a specific organisation insists on its own original.
Estate administration, including probate or letters of administration
Banking, including closing or transferring accounts
KiwiSaver, where the balance needs to be released to the estate
Insurance claims, including life insurance, funeral cover or mortgage protection
Property matters, including transferring or selling a home
Vehicle ownership transfers
Pension and superannuation matters
Funeral grant applications, including Work and Income or ACC support
Overseas authorities, where the deceased had assets, citizenship or family interests overseas
Frequently Asked Questions: Death Certificates
Clear answers to help remove uncertainty during a difficult time.
Need Help With The Paperwork?
If you are already working with us, the registration is handled. You do not need to do anything.
If you have recently lost someone and are not yet working with a funeral director, call us and we can guide you through the next steps.