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Category: Press Release

News & Advocacy

Welcome to our News & Advocacy page, where you'll find a collection of press releases, advocacy updates, industry news, and thought-provoking articles from the Funeral Directors Association.

Here, we share the latest developments, expert perspectives, and insights into the topics that matter most to our profession and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Whether you're interested in industry trends, policy updates, or stories that celebrate a meaningful farewell, this page is your resource for staying connected and informed.

For any media enquiries please email linda@funeraldirectors.co.nz or phone 04 473 7475.

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Death and grief are all around us – and this time of year is hard

28 November 2024

As the festive season approaches, many of us will be taking time to remember loved ones who have died, with new research from Grief Centre and the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand showing 1 in every 2 New Zealanders has had a family member die in the last two years, and almost 1 in 3 have had a friend die.

Read more about 'Death and grief are all around us – and this time of year is hard'...


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

18 July 2024

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 about 'Funeral industry publishes cost guidance in wake of increasing council costs'...


PRESS 2
Disappointment over repeated failure to increase funeral grant

31 May 2024

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 about 'Disappointment over repeated failure to increase funeral grant'...


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Funeral Directors Association warns about funeral live stream scams

1 March 2024

The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand is warning New Zealanders about a new funeral live streaming scam that asks for money to view a funeral live stream.

Read more about 'Funeral Directors Association warns about funeral live stream scams'...


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

16 November 2023

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 about 'Traditional elements still important as the funeral industry changes'...


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Survey reinforces importance of a funeral for mental health

21 September 2023

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.

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PRESS 2 v3
Time for action on bureaucratic denial of dignity in death

31 August 2023

The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand’s 2023 member survey paints a sad picture for New Zealand’s most vulnerable at a time of mourning. It highlights the massive shortfall between the Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) funeral grant and the cost of even a basic direct cremation, regional disparities, and an onerous and inconsistent system, compounding stress for low-income families.

Read more about 'Time for action on bureaucratic denial of dignity in death'...


PRESS 1 v7
Annual council increases compound cost of dying

11 July 2023

Funeral directors say the latest cost of living increases to council cemetery prices are adding to the financial burden for those relying on a Work and Income Funeral Grant to help with funeral costs. And with burial costs up to six times higher in some parts of New Zealand than in others a post code lottery on death is compounding the issue.

Read more about 'Annual council increases compound cost of dying'...


PRESS 2 v4
Cost of dying crisis for low-income families

5 April 2023

Eligible low-income families are facing heart wrenching decisions when it comes to farewelling their loved ones, according to a Funeral Directors Association member survey.

Read more about 'Cost of dying crisis for low-income families'...