When Someone Dies
Losing someone is hard enough without worrying about what to do next. The steps you need to take depend on where and how the death occurred.
If you’re unsure of anything at all, call us on 0800 99 22 00, and a member of our team will guide you through it.
The steps to take can vary depending on the circumstances. Here’s some practical guidance to help you understand what happens next.
Key Information for Your Situation
Need immediate help?
We're here for you.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Call us on 0800 99 22 00, any hour of the day or night, and we’ll talk you through exactly what to do for your situation.
If someone dies at home, with hospice or palliative care
If your loved one was under hospice or palliative care, the on-duty staff will help with the immediate formalities. They’ll notify the treating doctor and can contact a funeral director on your behalf.Â
What to do if someone dies at home, without a care team present:
Contact the person’s doctor so they can confirm the death and arrange the necessary medical certificate.
Notify the next of kin and family members.
Contact the hospice or palliative care services, if applicable.
Call Lamb & Hayward when you’re ready to discuss bringing your loved one into our care.Â
There is no rush to move the person immediately. Take the time you need.
If someone dies in hospital or a rest home
If someone dies in hospital or a rest home, staff will handle the immediate medical formalities, notify the treating doctor, and help the family contact a funeral director.
What happens next:
Hospital or rest home staff will notify the treating doctor, who will complete the medical death certificate.
The next of kin will be informed.
You’ll need to contact a funeral director to arrange for your loved one to be transferred to a funeral home.
Hospital or rest home staff can help arrange the release of your loved one to the funeral director, if requested.
If someone dies unexpectedly
If someone dies unexpectedly, whether at home or in a public place, the death may be referred to the Coroner. If this happens, we’ll help you understand what to expect and guide you through the funeral arrangements when the time comes.
What happens next:
Call 111 for an ambulance and the police. They’ll attend and make the necessary arrangements.
Let the next of kin and other family members know what’s happened.
Your loved one will be taken to the Coroner, who will determine whether a post-mortem examination is needed to establish the cause of death.
Once the Coroner has completed the necessary enquiries, your loved one will be released into your care so funeral arrangements can proceed.
Call us whenever you’re ready and we’ll take it from there.
What happens next?
Once your loved one is in our care, we’ll help with the practical arrangements and keep in touch as you begin making decisions about the funeral. We’ll guide you through the options at your own pace.
Repatriation
Repatriation is the process of bringing someone who has died back home, whether from overseas or another part of New Zealand. This can involve transporting their body or ashes.
With years of experience arranging repatriations, Lamb & Hayward can help families navigate the practical requirements of bringing a loved one home. Rules and documentation vary by country, and our team can guide you through the process.
Honouring Your Traditions
Every family we support carries their own traditions, beliefs, and ways of saying goodbye â and we want to help you honour them.
Whether your family follows religious customs, cultural traditions, or has its own ways of saying goodbye, we’re here to listen and make sure the funeral reflects your family’s wishes. If there are particular requirements around timing, ceremonies, who’s involved, or how your loved one is cared for â please let us know as early as possible so we can help make the necessary arrangements.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Every call is answered by one of our Lamb & Hayward team.