Repatriation

Repatriation is the process of returning a person who has died to their home country or region for burial or cremation. This may involve bringing someone back to New Zealand from overseas or arranging for a loved one to be returned to another country for the service.

Yes. We manage the full process — from coordinating with the funeral home or authorities overseas, to the documentation, international transfers, and bringing your loved one into our care in Christchurch. We liaise with the people you should not have to deal with directly.

Yes. If your loved one wished to be returned to their country of birth or ancestry, we can arrange for transfer overseas. This includes embalming, appropriate casket and packaging for air transport, and all necessary legal documentation.

International repatriation requires a number of legal documents, which vary by country. We are familiar with this process and will prepare or source everything that is needed. You do not need to navigate this yourself.

Timeframes depend on the countries involved, available flights, and the documentation required by each country. We will give you a realistic timeline as early as possible and keep you informed throughout. We understand that waiting is difficult, and we will stay in close contact with you.

Yes. If family in New Zealand wish to gather and say farewell before your loved one is returned overseas, we can arrange a service here first. We will work with you to make this possible.

Yes. If someone has passed away in Christchurch and their family or home is in another part of New Zealand, we can arrange transfer through our network of registered funeral homes around the country.

Call us on (03) 379 0196. Repatriation has many moving parts, and the sooner we can speak with you, the sooner we can begin coordinating on your behalf. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.