Deceased person died in New Zealand but their funeral is overseas

Repatriation is when the deceased person's body is moved from one country to another following their death. Repatriation may occur for many reasons including:

• fulfilling the deceased person's wishes
• to honour religious, cultural or spiritual beliefs
• allow for mourning and commemoration in the deceased person's home country

Costs that are associated with moving the deceased person's body from New Zealand to another country can be included in the assessment of Funeral Grant if they are determined to be reasonable by MSD.

Example

Mukai moved permanently to New Zealand from Zimbabwe in 2010 and is ordinarily resident. In June Mukai passed away while in New Zealand.

Mukai is to be repatriated to Zimbabwe to be buried in line with her wishes. As she was ordinarily resident in New Zealand when she died a Funeral Grant may be paid in respect of her reasonable funeral expenses. This may include the expenses related to moving her body to from New Zealand to another country.

If the funeral is held overseas MSD may consider a Funeral Grant for any funeral costs that are determined to be reasonable.

Example

Sabina moved permanently to New Zealand from Nepal in 2014 and is ordinarily resident. In August Sabina passed away while still living in New Zealand.

Sabina's family have organised for her to be repatriated to Nepal, where a funeral service will be held. This will allow her family to mourn and commemorate Sabina in her home country.

As Sabina was ordinarily resident in New Zealand when she died a Funeral Grant may be paid in respect of her reasonable funeral expenses.