Losing someone while they are overseas adds a layer of complexity to an already complicated situation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the New Zealand Embassies or High Commissions can assist you. They can help by:
- Advising whether burial or cremation is possible
- Helping you find a local funeral director
- Providing information on how to repatriate the body or ashes back to Aotearoa
- Letting you know what official processes (such as post-mortems or legal requirements) must be followed in the country the person died in.
It is usually the responsibility of the whānau to cover costs related to returning a person’s body home or arranging a funeral overseas.
Returning the person’s body home
If you are arranging to bring the body or ashes back to Aotearoa, you will need to:
- Engage a funeral director in the country where the death occurred, and
- Work with a funeral director here in Aotearoa, who can help with receiving the body or remains, and assist with local arrangements.
The two funeral directors can co-ordinate the process together.
This can be an emotionally overwhelming time, especially when dealing with different laws, customs and time zones. You can find more detailed guidance through SafeTravel.
Navigating language and cultural differences
If the person died in another country, you may come across language barriers or cultural customs that feel unfamiliar. This can make an already stressful situation even harder to manage.
If you need support with understanding documents or conversations with overseas officials:
- Ask your New Zealand funeral director to communicate with officials on your behalf
- Reach out to MFAT or your local embassy, who may be able to provide translation support, or connect you with someone who speaks the language.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification more than once.
- If possible, ask a trusted whānau member, friend, or colleague with language skills to assist you in reading, translating, or interpreting information.
It's important to have access to clear and timely information, especially at such a difficult time.