Repatriation

1. If your loved one has died overseas, begin by engaging a funeral home in that country. If they have passed away while on holiday, also contact the travel insurance provider to find out what they require. If you are unsure where to start, your local embassy or consulate can help, especially where there are language barriers.
2. Contact us and let us know which overseas funeral home is involved. From there, we will guide you through the next steps. We will support you with transferring of your loved one from the airport as well as funeral, burial, or cremation arrangements.
3. The funeral director in the country of passing will register the death, complete the death certificate and collect necessary documentation (e.g., passport, additional paperwork as required by the destination country). They will manage all legal requirements and coordinate the journey with us. They will also need to prepare the body and casket according to local requirements and New Zealand law.
4. Repatriations into New Zealand typically pass through Auckland Airport, which offers the most international flight options. We will arrange the safe and dignified transport of your loved one between Auckland and Tauranga.
5. A funeral or memorial service can be arranged either before departure or after arrival. This depends on your wishes and the location. The funeral director in the appropriate country will help coordinate the service.

1. If your loved one is leaving New Zealand, we will work with you to organise their return to their home country often via Auckland Airport. We will arrange for all legal documentation as needed.
2. Depending on the receiving country, we can prepare the body and casket for travel as per their regulations.
3. Once your loved one arrives in their home country, the local funeral director will guide you through arrangements for burial or cremation.

If repatriating your loved one’s body is not desired, cremation can take place in the country where they passed away, and the ashes can then be returned home.

You may:

• Travel to collect the ashes in person, or
• Arrange for the funeral home overseas to send the ashes home.

At Hope Family Funerals, we can assist in both the sending and receiving of ashes.

It is important to note that some countries have strict regulations around the couriering of ashes. In some cases, ashes must be collected in person. Your funeral director, or the relevant embassy or consulate, can provide the most up-to-date information on restrictions or allowances.

If repatriation out of New Zealand is not possible or preferred, your funeral director can help you arrange for a local burial or cremation. We can also arrange livestreaming of the service so that family and friends overseas can be part of the farewell.