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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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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. 

Read more about 'Health Select Committee presentation '...


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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. 

Read more about 'Repatriating Wellington assault victim Luke Smith: Costs and administrative 'minefield''...


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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.

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


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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.

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'...


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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. 

Read more about 'Briefing for Incoming Minister - Louise Upston, Minister of Social Development and Employment'...


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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.

Read more about 'Survey reinforces importance of a funeral for mental health'...


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Why aren't politicians facing the other big inevitable topic?

12 September 2023

Taxes are getting a lot of focus in this year’s election. But that other big inevitable, death, remains the topic MPs seem steadfastly keen to ignore.

Read more about 'Why aren't politicians facing the other big inevitable topic?'...