Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to New Zealand
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Repatriation from the United States to New Zealand: what to expect
The United States and New Zealand maintain an active bilateral relationship through the ANZUS framework and Five Eyes intelligence partnership, with American nationals present in New Zealand in technology, academia, and professional services. New Zealand is also a destination for American retirees and lifestyle migrants. The New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC is fully operational. When a person with New Zealand family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office. The New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. New Zealand Customs clearance is required on arrival.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland International Airport (AKL), Wellington Airport (WLG), or Christchurch Airport (CHC) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in New Zealand is handled by the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) office within the Department of Internal Affairs (Te Tari Taiwhenua). The death must be registered under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may need to be notified under the Coroners Act 2006 for sudden or unexplained deaths. All foreign documentation must be authenticated for import. New Zealand Customs clearance is required for all imported human remains. New Zealand joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The New Zealand High Commission or Embassy responsible for Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to New Zealand. New Zealand joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact New Zealand BDM (Department of Internal Affairs) for civil registration queries. New Zealand MFAT emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours).
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to New Zealand takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. The BDM office within the Department of Internal Affairs registers the death under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may be notified for sudden or unexplained deaths. New Zealand Customs clearance is required. New Zealand joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local BDM office and Customs.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in the United States, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to New Zealand.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions