What to Do After Someone Dies: A Practical Starting Point

When someone dies, the practical tasks that follow can feel completely overwhelming — especially when you are also grieving. Knowing where to start can make a real difference.

This article gives you a simple overview of the first steps. You do not need to do everything at once. Work through what you can, ask for help where you need it, and be patient with yourself.

In the first 24 to 48 hours

The very first things to focus on after a death are simple and human. Look after yourself and the people around you. The administrative tasks can wait a little — but there are a few practical steps that will need to happen early.

• Get a medical certificate of death. This is usually issued by a doctor or hospital. It is needed before a death can be officially registered.
• Contact a funeral director if you need one. They will guide you through many of the next steps, including moving the body, planning the service, and supporting you with paperwork. You can use FDANZ to find a registered funeral director in your area.
• Let close whānau and friends know. You do not need to notify everyone at once. Start with the people who need to know first.

Registering the death

Deaths in New Zealand must be registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). A funeral director can often help with this. You will need the medical certificate, and basic information about the person who has died.

In the first few weeks

Once the immediate practicalities are managed, there are other tasks that will need attention — usually over the coming weeks rather than days. These include notifying relevant organisations (such as WINZ, IRD, and the person’s bank), dealing with the estate, and looking after yourself.

Some things that may need attention:

• Notifying Work and Income NZ about any payments that may need to stop or start
• Contacting IRD regarding the person’s tax affairs
• Notifying the person’s bank, insurance providers, and other financial institutions
• Dealing with the will (if there is one) and the estate
• Cancelling subscriptions, memberships, and accounts
• Returning any equipment or medical aids that were borrowed or leased

This list can feel enormous. You do not have to do it alone, and you do not have to do it all at once. A solicitor can help with estate matters. A trusted friend or whānau member can help with calls and paperwork.

Bereavement leave

In New Zealand, employees are entitled to bereavement leave following the death of an immediate family member. Your employer or HR team can advise on what you are entitled to. The Employment New Zealand website has information on bereavement leave entitlements.

Financial support

If the death has affected your household income, Work and Income may be able to help. The Bereavement Support Payment is available in some circumstances. Contact them to find out what you may be entitled to.

Read our full guide

We have a detailed step-by-step guide covering all the practical tasks after a death in New Zealand, including checklists and links to the relevant services.

Read: What to Do After Someone Dies — the full step-by-step guide →

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This article is intended as general support and information only. It is not a replacement for professional advice, counselling, or urgent help. If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or at risk, please contact emergency services or a crisis support service immediately.