Support and practical help after a funeral
After a funeral, many people find the days and weeks that follow are when they need the most support. Whether it is dealing with grief, finalising practical matters, or figuring out next steps - we are here to help guide you.
Below are some of the most common needs and questions people have, along with resources and services that may be helpful.
Airline compassionate fares
If you or immediate family have travelled because someone close to you has died or is experiencing a critical medical emergency, you may be eligible for a partial refund through Air New Zealand’s compassionate air fares scheme.
This policy applies to flights booked directly with Air New Zealand and you must apply within 28 days of your travel.
You may be eligible for compassionate airline tickets if:
You travelled to attend a funeral or tangi
You travelled due to an unexpected and critical medical situation involving an immediate family member
To support your application, Air New Zealand requires documentation of the situation, such as:
An email from the funeral director
A newspaper death notice
An email from the attending doctor or hospital
You must also confirm that all travellers are immediate family members. Each compassionate airfares application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and Air New Zealand aims to be flexible and understanding during difficult times.
We can assist you with the paperwork if needed. For more information or to apply directly for compassionate flights, visit the Air New Zealand compassionate fares page.
Grief care and emotional support
Grief looks and feels different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no set timeline. If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or simply need someone to talk to, there are people and services who can help.
We can connect you with local grief care professionals and support groups. Some people also find comfort in joining memorial events or talking with others who have experienced loss. You are always welcome to contact us, even if some time has passed since the funeral.
Funeral grants
Financial assistance may be available if you are struggling with costs after a funeral. Work and Income (WINZ) offers funeral grants to help low-income families cover essential funeral expenses.
The amount you may be eligible for depends on your income and assets, as well as the type of funeral arrangements made. Grants can help with:
Professional service fees
Burial or cremation costs
Transport within New Zealand
Death certificates
We are happy to guide you through the application process for funeral grants and provide any required documentation.
Repatriation
When someone dies away from home - either in another part of New Zealand or overseas - it may be necessary to bring them back. This is called repatriation. It can involve a number of formalities, especially if travel across borders is required.
Whitestone Funerals is experienced in arranging repatriation, whether to or from Oamaru. We can manage the practical and legal details, including transport, consents, translation of documents, and liaison with overseas authorities or consulates.
Our role is to make a difficult situation less stressful and ensure everything is handled with care and dignity.
Memorial after a funeral
Holding a memorial after the funeral - weeks, months, or even years later - is another way to honour and remember the person. This might be a garden gathering, unveiling ceremony, or an informal event with friends and family. It does not have to follow any formal structure; it simply needs to feel meaningful to those present.
If you are considering a memorial after funeral service, we can help with ideas, planning, and use of our onsite chapel, memorial gardens, or catering spaces. Read more about our funeral venues.
MyTrove: easing the admin after a death
After a funeral, one of the more overwhelming tasks is closing accounts and notifying organisations. MyTrove is a secure, free service that helps families, executors, and lawyers handle this process with less paperwork, less repetition, and far fewer headaches.
MyTrove lets you notify multiple companies and agencies at once - including government departments, banks, telcos, insurers, and more - without having to contact each one separately.
Who you can notify include:
Inland Revenue, MSD, Work and Income, and Passports Office
Banks, KiwiSaver providers, and insurance companies
Councils, power, and phone companies
You will also find helpful links for things like checking for unclaimed money, or how to close social media accounts. Everything is handled securely, and only the necessary information is shared with each organisation.
You can do this yourself on the MyTrove website, or have your law firm do it on your behalf.
We are here for you
If you need help with any practical matters or emotional support after a funeral, we are just a phone call away. Reach out to Whitestone Funerals.