When someone dies

Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming experience and many struggle to know where to start.
We are here to help through every step of the way and answer any questions you may have.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you through what needs to be done when someone you love passes away.

Have a chat – 07 543 3151

1. Contact your GP or call 111

When someone passes away, the death will need to be verified.

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  • If the death was expected, your loved one's GP will be able to do this for you. Give them a call, and in most cases they will come to the family home to carry out the necessary documents.
  • If the death was unexpected or after GP hours, call 111 and they will advise of the next steps. Unexpected deaths are often reported to the coroner. The police and coroner’s office will provide you with further information throughout the process. The coroner may contract another funeral home to transfer your loved one back to Tauranga. However you can request Hope Family Funerals as the chosen funeral home to look after your loved one and we will continue with arrangements after they have been released from the coroner. Click here for more information about coronial services in New Zealand.
  • If your loved one passed away at a rest home, either the rest home staff or our team will liaise with the GP for you.
  • If they pass away at a hospital, the available doctor will verify the death as soon as possible or advise of a possible coroner's inquest if the death was unexplained.

2. Call Hope Family Funerals

When you are ready, give us a call on 07 543 3151. We will ask you a few questions and help you through any initial queries you have. We will work alongside you to arrange the best time to uplift your loved one. There is absolutely no rush if you wish to have some more time. Before we can proceed, we do require confirmation of death from an authorised medical practitioner.

3. Have a chat

The next step is to meet with a member of our team to the next steps for your loved one’s care and any funeral wishes they have. We will also assist with recording the personal details that are required by Births, Deaths and Marriages so we can apply for the death certificate on your behalf. The funeral director looking after you will arrange a time that suits you, possibly on the same day or shortly after. We will not proceed with any unnecessary body care of your loved one without your permission, but will advise of any recommendations.

4. Relax and reflect

After meeting with the funeral director, we will begin putting the funeral wishes into place. If there is a funeral service, you may need to provide photos, clothing, service sheet information and newspaper notice information. This time is a nice opportunity to sit down with your friends and family and reflect on your loved one's life.

5. Aftercare

After the funeral arrangements have taken place, there are a few final things we can help you with:

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  • The death certificate is applied for on the day of the cremation or burial. This is then posted to the funeral home from Births, Deaths and Marriages. When it arrives, we will let the executor know.
  • After a cremation, ashes are typically ready for collection from the funeral home within one to two business days. We will be in touch as soon as they are available. There is no need to collect them immediately if you feel that you need more time. We are happy to look after them until you are ready. Ashes come in a standard council urn, but we also offer a range of urns, scatter tubes and keepsakes if you would like something more personal. If you are unsure what to choose, we are here to help guide you, depending on what you plan to do with the ashes. If you would like to have your loved one’s ashes buried at a cemetery, we can also assist with arranging an ashes interment.
  • Our friends at BOP Memorials will be happy to assist you with any of your headstone or plaque requirements.
  • The account will be made available when the death certificate arrives, but we can provide it earlier if you would like. We will provide an estimate of expenses following the initial discussion regarding funeral service wishes. You are welcome to request an updated estimate at any time throughout the arrangement process.
  • We can also assist with any financial assistance options, see here for more info.
  • There are several organisations to notify when someone has passed away, many have found 'My Trove' to be a helpful website with this.
  • For extra emotional support, Grief Support Services provides counselling and information for everyone experiencing grief and loss within the Western Bay of Plenty. Their services are subsidised.

If someone has died or you are not sure what to do next, please call us on (07) 543 3151.

We are available 24/7 to gently and clearly guide you through the next steps.