How do you bring a loved one home from New Zealand?

First 24 hours

What should happen in the first 24 hours after a death in New Zealand?

Call 111 for police and ambulance. A doctor or nurse practitioner must certify the death. In New Zealand, a Coroner must be notified of any sudden, unexplained, or violent death under the Coroners Act 2006. The Coroner has jurisdiction over the body until they release it. Contact your insurer and the FCDO immediately.

The most important step is to contact a specialist repatriation company. They will tell you exactly what to do and begin coordinating with local authorities on your behalf.

Timeline

How long does repatriation from New Zealand take?

In most cases, repatriation from New Zealand takes 14-21 days. The fastest straightforward cases complete in 10 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, criminal investigation, or a remote location can extend to 35+ days or beyond.

What makes a case complex?

• Coroner's inquest (New Zealand Coroners Act 2006)
• Long-haul freight logistics from Oceania
• Insurance dispute or uninsured death
• Death in a remote region (Fiordland, Bay of Islands, Queenstown backcountry)

Documentation

What documents are required to bring a body home from New Zealand?

All of these documents must be in place before air transport can proceed. Your appointed repatriation coordinator will obtain most of them.

• New Zealand Death Certificate
• Coroner's release (if applicable, Coroners Act 2006)
• Embalming certificate
• Permission to transport human remains from New Zealand
• Passport of deceased

Documentation typically takes 5-14 working days to complete.

Post-mortem

Will a post-mortem be required in New Zealand?

The New Zealand Coroner has broad jurisdiction under the Coroners Act 2006 and must be notified of any sudden, unnatural, or unexplained death. Post-mortem is ordered at the Coroner's discretion. NZ coroners are generally thorough and the process is well-organised..

Adds 7-21 days. The Coroner must formally release the body before repatriation can proceed. This is the most common cause of extended timelines for UK families.

British Embassy

What does the British Embassy in New Zealand do when someone dies?

The British Embassy provides consular assistance, which includes giving you a list of local funeral directors, helping you notify relatives, and advising on local procedures. What the Embassy cannot do is pay for repatriation, organise the funeral director, or make arrangements on your behalf.

Alternative option

Can ashes be brought home from New Zealand instead of a full body?

Yes, cremation facilities are available in New Zealand. Transporting ashes to the UK requires specific documents and must comply with airline regulations.

Getting started

How do you start the repatriation process from New Zealand?

Call a specialist repatriation company. Do not wait until all other steps are complete. A specialist can begin the process immediately, even before the local death certificate has been issued.

You will need to provide: the name of the deceased, the location of the body, your contact details, and the name and contact of the local hospital or authority holding the body.

More questions

Other frequently asked questions about repatriation from New Zealand