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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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Whanganui funeral home converts Harley Davidson motorbike into hearse for coffin

11 December 2024 - NZ Herald

A Whanganui funeral home’s converted Harley Davidson motorcycle is being used as a hearse by families to give loved ones a final ride to their resting place. 

Read more about 'Whanganui funeral home converts Harley Davidson motorbike into hearse for coffin'...


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Coping with grief through Christmas

29 November 2024 - Breakfast TV1

Gillian Boyes, CEO of the Funeral Directors Association, and Katrina King, General Manager of the Grief Centre, discussed the results of the National Grief Survey on TVNZ Breakfast this morning.

Read more about 'Coping with Grief through Christmas'...


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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'...


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Bereaved families should understand rules if considering Mausolea interment

23 November 2024 - Tagata Pasifika

Charges of misconduct against a former funeral director prompt a warning from the Funeral Director’s Association of New Zealand over mausolea interment.

Read more about 'Bereaved families should understand rules if considering Mausolea interment'...


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A sailboat or a Lego casket? Coffin-maker thinking outside the box

RNZ 17 November 2024

When we die, most of us will end up in a brown box, but the more eccentric among us may want something a little more personal.

Read more about 'A sailboat or a Lego casket? Coffin-maker thinking outside the box'...


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‘Talking about death and the future allowed us to honour Mum’s wishes’

When Marie-Louise Brennan died, there was no question about what she wanted to happen. She had planned her funeral, chosen all the music and flowers, picked her coffin, and specified the location of her burial. You name it, Marie-Louise had it planned.

Read more about '‘Talking about death and the future allowed us to honour Mum’s wishes’'...


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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.

New research from Public Trust reveals the extent New Zealanders will go to actively avoid talking about death, and our preference to use humour and euphemisms like "kick the bucket" and "carked it" when describing death.

Read more about 'Death is part of life – let’s talk about it'...


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Funeral directors reject allegations of predatory behaviour

7 November 2024 - Waikato Times 

“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 about 'Funeral directors reject allegations of predatory behaviour'...


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FREE PUBLIC WEBINAR - Navigating grief during the holiday season

Live Webinar: Tuesday 3 December, 10.30am
This 75-minute online workshop, Navigating Grief During the Holiday Season, is here to support people grieving their loved ones during the Christmas period.

Read more about 'FREE PUBLIC WEBINAR - Navigating grief during the holiday season'...