Someone has just died

The first thing to do

Where did the death happen?

What matters right now

• Take your time. You can sit with your person. There is no rush to move them.
• Call close family and whānau. You don't have to do this alone.
• Find the will — check with the deceased's solicitor, Public Trust, or at home. The will may name a funeral director or express burial/cremation wishes.
• Choose a funeral director — or decide on a family-led funeral. See funeral costs before you commit. You do not have to use the first one you call.
• Notify the employer (if the deceased was working) — especially if there are pay, insurance, or ACC implications.

Things that need to happen soon

• Death registration — your funeral director usually handles this. If you're managing without one, you have 3 working days after burial/cremation to notify Births, Deaths and Marriages.
• Order death certificates — get at least 5 copies (~$33 each). You'll need them for banks, insurance, probate, and other agencies.
• Funeral arrangements — burial vs cremation, service details, cultural/religious requirements, death notices.
• Notify Work and Income — stop any benefit or NZ Super payments to avoid overpayment. Call 0800 559 009.
• Notify the deceased's bank(s) — they will freeze sole accounts to protect against fraud.
• Start life insurance claim — contact the insurer with the policy number and death certificate.
• Apply for the funeral grant if you need financial help — see financial help.

Things that can wait a bit

These are important but not urgent. Work through them when you're ready.

• Apply for probate — if the estate has significant assets. See wills & probate.
• Notify IRD — a final tax return needs to be filed. Call 0800 227 774.
• Notify Waka Kotahi / NZTA — cancel or transfer driver's licence, update vehicle registration.
• Cancel or transfer — utilities, insurance, phone, internet, subscriptions.
• Notify KiwiSaver provider — the balance is paid to the estate.
• Redirect mail via NZ Post.
• Social media accounts — see digital accounts.
• See the full notification checklist for everything else.

Settling the estate

• Collect estate assets — close accounts, sell property if needed.
• Pay debts and liabilities — funeral costs are a first charge against the estate.
• File final tax return with IRD.
• Distribute the estate — wait at least 6 months from probate before final distribution.
• Review your own will, EPA, and insurance — your circumstances have changed.