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The Spinoff
2 days ago
- Business
- The Spinoff
High cost of dying under scrutiny as MPs call for change
A new select committee report confirms what many already know: funerals in New Zealand are often too expensive and reform is long overdue, writes Catherine McGregor in today's extract from The Bulletin. The high cost of dying in New Zealand is once again in the spotlight, following the release of a health select committee report examining cremation costs and broader funeral affordability. Triggered by a submission from advocacy group Death Without Debt (DWD), the report found that current funeral regulations impose unnecessary expenses and are outdated and difficult to navigate. 'We consider that the current process and regulations impose high costs on the public and create a barrier for people who want to organise their own funerals, particularly when their loved ones are about to be cremated,' the report concluded. The Ministry of Health has committed to reviewing the cremation regulations this year. A nation where dying costs too much New Zealand is one of the most expensive countries in the world in which to die, with funerals starting at around $7,500 for cremation and $10,000 for burial, although they can often cost a lot more, especially when venue hire and catering is included. DWD founder Fergus Wheeler blames the entrenched role of funeral directors, saying families are routinely steered into expensive packages when cheaper, simpler options exist. He argues that with minor changes to online death certification systems, families could bypass funeral directors for cremation approvals, saving themselves hundreds of dollars. The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ), which represents 75% of the industry, has pushed back against what it called 'allegations of predatory behaviour', RNZ's Kate Green reports. FDANZ says staffing, compliance and property costs are the real factors behind the cost to consumers. But in its submission to the select committee, it agreed reform was needed – particularly a requirement for more transparent pricing and increases in financial aid for those unable to pay. The cost of farewell and the gap in support The issue of funeral affordability has been widely covered in The Spinoff's annual Death Week series, including a 2023 piece by Stewart Sowman-Lund that highlighted the financial stress many families face when a loved one dies. Like everything else to do with money, the poorest among us tend to suffer most, given that the Work and Income funeral grant is just $2,445 – far less than even the cheapest funeral service available. FDANZ chief executive Gillian Boyes is calling for an increase to the grant, along with a lift in the $10,000 asset-testing cap that applies to prepaid funerals, to allow elderly people to set aside more realistic sums before they enter subsidised long-term residential care. She told RNZ's Victor Waters that the government needs to 'provide better support for families, provide clearer rules around funerals, and just help the industry out. But, you know, just changing paperwork is not going to fix funeral debt.' Flameless cremation arrives in NZ As calls grow to reduce funeral costs, alternatives are emerging. One is water cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis, available for the first time in Christchurch. This morning in The Spinoff, Alex Casey reports on the inaugural NZ use of the method, which uses water and alkaline solution to dissolve remains, resulting in 90% less environmental impact than flame cremation. While its main draw is sustainability, it's also slightly cheaper than standard cremation and doesn't require a casket. The arrival of water cremation adds to a growing menu of alternatives, from eco-caskets to DIY funerals. Both the Funeral Directors Association's Boyes and Dying Without Debt's Wheeler, who holds regular public seminars on DIY funerals, say they have been frustrated by bureaucratic inaction on giving people more choice in how they farewell their loved ones. Even if water cremations remain a niche option, their arrival helps bring the prospect of cheaper, more personalised funerals a step closer for everyone. More from The Spinoff:
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu Supports Calls For Urgent Review Of Funeral Costs
NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu (the New Zealand Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective) supports the recent media release from the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) regarding funeral affordability and the need for urgent legislative reform. Acting Chair Daniel Chrisp says the conversation about funeral costs needs to address the real issues. 'Reducing paperwork for cremations won't lower funeral prices. Many funeral homes already offer affordable direct cremation services from $3,000 or less. Families can also choose to arrange a cremation directly with a council-run crematorium, and many of our member councils are able to guide families through that process. Its important people know they have choices, though this can mean more to organise, like a casket and transport.' NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu echoes FDANZ's call for the Work and Income funeral grant to be urgently reviewed and adjusted for inflation. 'The grant hasn't kept pace with rising costs. It needs a market review to ensure it actually supports those who need it most,' says Chrisp. NZCCC encourages and supports revision of the current government subsidies available for families and agrees that 'Fixing the paperwork' is not the answer to the problem. We support further development of transparency of Pricing and Service options amongst Funeral Providers and Councils so families can make an informed decisions in their time of grief. The Collective also calls on the Government to prioritise a full review of the outdated Burial and Cremation Act 1964. 'Small tweaks won't fix a system that was recommended for an overhaul years ago. It's time to bring this legislation into modern times,' says Chrisp.
