Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from New Zealand to Ireland
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
How repatriation from New Zealand to Ireland works
Call 111 for emergency services. Death must be notified to the New Zealand coroner if unexpected, unnatural, or where cause of death is uncertain. The death certificate is issued by Births Deaths and Marriages New Zealand. Documentation is in English throughout. Air cargo routes to Ireland connect via Singapore, Dubai, or London.
Key facts
Repatriation from New Zealand to Ireland: what to expect
New Zealand has a well-organised death registration system and an experienced funeral sector. Documentation is in English throughout. The Irish-New Zealand diaspora is significant and this is an established corridor.
- Key document: New Zealand death certificate (BDM-issued, in English)
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. New Zealand's system is efficient.
- Irish Embassy in Wellington registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: New Zealand to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Irish Embassy Wellington: via Dept of Foreign Affairs +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with BDM New Zealand. Death certificate issued.
Efficient registration system. Certificate issued promptly in straightforward cases.
Local funeral director and BDM New Zealand
Irish Embassy Wellington notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
New Zealand funeral sector operates to high professional standards.
Licensed local funeral director
Export documentation and permits obtained
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Auckland (AKL) or Wellington (WLG) to Dublin (DUB)
Once all documentation complete. Routes via Singapore (SIN), Dubai (DXB), or London (LHR).
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. New Zealand documentation is in English and typically accepted directly. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000. The Irish Embassy in Wellington can register the death and advise.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from New Zealand to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from New Zealand to Ireland takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving the New Zealand coroner can take 4-8 weeks.
No. The New Zealand death certificate is issued by Births Deaths and Marriages New Zealand and is in English throughout. This removes the translation step that applies in many other countries.
In New Zealand, a death must be reported to the coroner if it was unexpected, unnatural, violent, or unexplained, or occurred in certain circumstances. The coroner then decides whether an inquiry or post-mortem is required.
The Irish Embassy in Wellington can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. New Zealand documentation is in English and typically accepted directly. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Yes. Cremation in New Zealand and bringing ashes home to Ireland is often simpler and less costly. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight. You will need the death certificate and cremation certificate.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in New Zealand, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · New Zealand repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions