Often a natural death occurs in a hospital, rest home or at home. The following information details what happens when a death occurs.

Death in a hospital or nursing home

Following a death in a hospital, hospice or rest home, medical staff will contact the doctor to issue a death certificate. The nursing staff will notify the next of kin and family members if not present. Nursing staff will usually prepare the deceased and you will be able to spend time with them before having us transfer the deceased into our care.

When a death occurs at home

You should phone the deceased's doctor as soon as possible so the doctor can verify the death and confirm that they can sign the medical death certificate. Once a death certificate has been signed we can then transfer the deceased into our care at our funeral home.

When death is referred to the coroner

When an unexpected death occurs in the home, hospital or in a public place then the death may need to be referred to the coroner’s office. The following are reasons why a death may be referred to the coroner:
The Coroner may become involved when:
  • A doctor is unavailable or unable to establish the cause of death
  • There has been no recent consultation with a medical practitioner
  • There is a sudden unexpected death
  • Death occurs from a cause other than natural causes
  • There is an accidental death or injury
  • The person was ‘in an institution’ immediately before they died
  • The identity of the person who has died is not known
The Police will determine whether the death needs to be reported to the Coroner. When a death is reported to the Coroner, it is the Coroner's role to establish the identity of the deceased and the cause of death. In most instances, this will be done by instructing a pathologist (a medical specialist) to examine the body. This procedure is called a post mortem examination or autopsy.​
The Coroner is a legal officer appointed under the Coroners Act who has the duty to establish the cause of death in certain circumstances. In New Zealand, a death is reported to the Coroner by contacting the Police, who act as the "Coroner's Agent"
The role of the Coroner is important in establishing the cause of death and has particular relevance in light of Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) obligations in regard to accidental deaths, and assistance available to those affected by an accidental death.