For future reference

[stellar_muddle]

It could just be a sign of getting older.. or just observation of various things going on around me and recent events. And the fact a lot of the stats I deal with are around sudden death.

So, in NZ, what is legally required when you die?

Found a basic overview here (took a little while of googling though):
NZ Citizen's Advice Bureau pdf on Dealing with Death

Wondering about wills and stuff. Is it worth going via Public Trust? Cheaper elsewhere? How much does the amount of assets etc affect things? - various amounts in banks and superannuation funds either side of the ditch spring to mind.

I favour cremation with donation of any organs that are useful - if any bits of me that I no longer need can save someone's life or improve their quality of life, then go for it. And I think I would like some of my ashes scattered at the top of Mount John. No other ideas so far. Maybe a tree and a seat somewhere?

Cause I am not planning on dying any time soon. I quite like life, thank you. But starting to set things up just in case would probably be sensible.

Comments

[pepperbeast.livejournal.com]

1. Before dying, you must lodge an application for a death license with the office of Births Deaths and Marriages. A birth certificate or passport is required as identification. A licence will be issued immediately.
2. Once the Death Licence has been issued, your death may take place after not less than three days but not more than one year after the date of issue. If you decide to die after one year has elapsed, a new licence must be procured.
3. You may not be issued a Death licence if you are already dead, undead or immortal.
4. Deaths carried out without without a valid licence may be declared null.
5. A Certificate of Death will be issued within ten days of death.

[stellar-muddle.livejournal.com]

One assumes change from the stated death venue will invalidate the death licence...

[theuns.livejournal.com]

Only thing I'd heard about Public Trust is Diana telling me never, ever to deal with them.

[mrsbrown.livejournal.com]

I'd always thought I would go with cremation too.

But the stuff I've been reading on natural burials lately has got me thinking. I think I'd rather avoid using all that energy to dispose of me when I could just decompose into the ground and feed a tree or something.