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to push back on claims made by Fergus Wheeler from Death without Debt, who is urging reforms to the country’s outdated funeral system, telling them it gave funeral directors a lucrative monopoly on death.
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Health Select Committee presentation
6 November 2024
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.
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Repatriating Wellington assault victim Luke Smith: Costs and administrative 'minefield'
15 October 2024 - RNZ
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Briefing for Incoming Minister - Louise Upston, Minister of Social Development and Employment
6 December 2023
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.
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.
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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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