Category: All

Public Trust logo 4
Death is part of life – let’s talk about it

Are you someone who is happy to talk about your funeral plans? Or someone who would rather talk about anything else under the sun? Turns out if you avoid it, you’re not alone.

 

Read more
Screenshot 2024 11 07 095104
Funeral directors reject allegations of predatory behaviour

“We strongly refute allegations of predatory behaviour in our industry,” Gillian Boyes, chief executive of the Funeral Directors’ Association told MPs. Boyes was in Parliament to push back on claims made by Fergus Wheeler from Death without Debt, who is urging reforms to the country’s outdated funeral system, telling them it gave funeral directors a lucrative monopoly on death.

Read more
Screenshot 2024 10 21 135810 v3
Health Select Committee presentation

Andrew Malcolm, President of the Funeral Directors Association, and CEO Gillian Boyes, presented to the Health Select Committee. This meeting offered a vital platform to address claims made by Death without Debt and to share insights on areas we believe require thoughtful consideration for better deathcare outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Read more
Screenshot 2024 10 21 142030 v3
Repatriating Wellington assault victim Luke Smith: Costs and administrative 'minefield'

Funeral Directors Association CEO Gillian Boyes said she could not speak to the specific case, but the cost of repatriation - to or from New Zealand - could vary wildly. She said the starting point was about $10,000 and typically increased with distance. 

Read more
PRESS 1
Funeral industry publishes cost guidance in wake of increasing council costs

Increased council burial and cremation costs, in one case, 48% higher than last year has seen the funeral industry publish guidance to help families better understand the options available to help manage the expense of a funeral.

Read more
PRESS 2
Disappointment over repeated failure to increase funeral grant

The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand is disappointed the Government’s budget has once again failed to include an increase for the Work and Income Funeral Grant.

Read more
Screenshot 2024 10 21 135810
Briefing for Incoming Minister - Louise Upston, Minister of Social Development and Employment

We all die. But death shouldn’t have to lead to poor mental health outcomes or debt for those left behind. We have ideas about how this Government could show a human face on death in a containable way in terms of fiscal risk. 

Read more
PRESS 2 v2
Traditional elements still important as the funeral industry changes

The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand has today published a report providing a snapshot of death and the funeral industry in New Zealand. The report also captures insights into the types of funerals favoured by New Zealanders.

Read more
PRESS 1 v5
Survey reinforces importance of a funeral for mental health

The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand is reminding New Zealanders of the importance of a meaningful farewell for managing their mental health as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Read more