The Government announced new rules to how we will now need to report and take care of our deceased loved ones during lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our communities have had to make a number of changes to our cultural and faith practices to keep people and communities safe. This now extends to funerals and burials of our loved ones during lockdown.
There are strict rules in place for when loved ones pass away, regardless of the cause. These rules apply to everyone, every culture, every religion.
What this now means:
- no formal funerals/burials whatsoever
- no funerals at church, the mosque, synagogues, temples, marae or any other venue
- no private funerals at home
WHY? Because COVID-19 is now in the community and public gatherings put your family and friends at risk, especially at risk family members and our older people.
Please note that:
- Burials may happen very quickly
- The ashes from cremations may not be returned until we are out of lockdown and into a recovery period
These are tough rules which many will find hard, but we can’t risk the health and safety of our family and friends.
These rules will remain in place, while we remain in lockdown.
The Office of Ethnic Communities will send out more detailed guidance in the coming few days of what to do in the event of a death in the family. We will also provide written translation as they come to hand in the many languages of our communities.
For further information go to: https://covid19.govt.nz/help-and-advice/for-everyone/funerals-and-tangi/
