Key Takeaways
- The number of people in the Auckland region who died without any family or friends to handle funeral arrangements has increased significantly in the last year.
- Auckland Council covered the cost of cremation for 15 people in the last year, up from only five cremations and one burial in the previous year.
- Other councils, such as Christchurch City Council and Wellington City Council, also provide end-of-life services for people with no known relatives.
- The process of handling funerals for people with no known relatives can be labor-intensive, but funeral homes and councils see it as a community service.
- There are options available for families who struggle to cover funeral expenses, including Work and Income funeral grants and council-funded services.
Introduction to the Issue
The number of people in the Auckland region who have died without any family or friends to handle funeral arrangements has seen a significant increase in the last year. According to recent data, Auckland Council covered the cost of cremation for 15 people in the last year, a substantial rise from the previous year’s five cremations and one burial. This trend is not unique to Auckland, as other councils in New Zealand, such as Christchurch City Council and Wellington City Council, also provide end-of-life services for people with no known relatives. In this article, we will delve into the details of this issue and explore the ways in which councils and funeral homes are working together to provide dignified and respectful funeral services for those who have no one to claim them.
The Role of Auckland Council
Auckland Council’s Manager of Cemetery Services, Nikki Nelson, explained that in specific circumstances, the council provides end-of-life services for people with no known relatives. These individuals are typically referred to the council by Health New Zealand, and the council has completed one burial and 43 cremations of this nature in the past five years. Nelson emphasized that the council’s role is to ensure that these individuals are treated with respect and dignity, even in the absence of family or friends. This is a crucial service, as it provides a sense of closure and finality for those who have passed away, even if they have no one to mourn them.
The Process of Handling Funerals
In Christchurch, Simplicity Funerals manages the burials of people with no known relatives. The process begins when the hospital’s Mortuary Service contacts Simplicity to inform them of a death, and the funeral home then attempts to make contact with anyone known to the person, such as a GP or friends. If no next of kin or able person can be found, Simplicity contacts a JP to authorize the burial. Manager of Simplicity Funerals Christchurch, Jamie Harvey, described the process as labor-intensive, but emphasized that it is a community service that they are proud to provide. At the burial, a Simplicity staff member will say a few words, and council sextons will also attend, ensuring that the individual is given a dignified and respectful farewell.
The Emotional Toll
Handling funerals for people with no known relatives can be emotionally challenging for those involved. Harvey acknowledged that it can be "a little bit trying" for staff, but also emphasized that it is "really rewarding" to be able to provide a sense of respect and dignity to someone who may have had no one in their life. This sentiment is echoed by Nelson, who emphasized the importance of treating these individuals with respect and dignity, even in death. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of human connection and the need for compassion and empathy in our society.
Other Councils and Funeral Homes
Other councils in New Zealand are also providing end-of-life services for people with no known relatives. Christchurch City Council has covered the cost of eight burials, which are officially referred to as "Poor Person burials." Wellington City Council has covered six indigent services since 2020, comprising one burial and five cremations. In Dunedin, the council has carried out four indigent burials and 34 indigent cremations since 2020. These councils, along with funeral homes like Simplicity Funerals, are working together to ensure that those who have no one to claim them are still given a dignified and respectful farewell.
Options for Families Struggling with Funeral Expenses
For families who are struggling to cover funeral expenses, there are options available. Work and Income may be able to provide support in the form of a funeral grant, and some councils also offer assistance. In Christchurch, for example, people can apply to the council’s Mayoral Welfare Fund for help with funeral costs. Between October 2024 and October 2025, two applications for funerals were approved by the fund, totaling $2400. These options can provide a vital lifeline for families who are struggling to cope with the financial burden of a funeral, and can help to ensure that their loved one is given a dignified and respectful farewell.
