Blog
Guides on wills, funerals, probate, and remembering loved ones.
Enduring Power of Attorney in New Zealand: a plain-English guide
20 June 2026
An enduring power of attorney lets someone you trust make decisions if you can't. Here's how EPAs work in New Zealand, the two types, and how they differ from a will.
What happens to KiwiSaver when someone dies in New Zealand?
20 June 2026
KiwiSaver doesn't disappear when someone dies — it's paid to their estate. Here's how a deceased person's KiwiSaver is claimed and distributed in New Zealand.
What does an executor of a will do? A New Zealand guide
20 June 2026
Being named executor is an honour and a responsibility. Here's what an executor actually does in New Zealand — the duties, whether you can say no, and where to get help.
What happens if you die without a will in New Zealand
20 June 2026
If you die without a will in New Zealand, your estate is shared out under the intestacy rules in the Administration Act 1969 — not according to your wishes. Here's exactly who inherits, and how to avoid it.
Do you need a will in New Zealand? A plain-English guide
17 June 2026
Who needs a will, what happens if you die without one, and what makes a will legally valid in New Zealand — explained simply.
How much does a funeral cost in New Zealand?
17 June 2026
What a funeral really costs in New Zealand — typical price ranges for burial and cremation, what's included, ways to keep costs down, and how to choose a funeral director.
What is probate in New Zealand, and when do you need it?
17 June 2026
Probate explained in plain English: what it is, when it's required, what it costs, and how long it takes to get a grant from the High Court.
How to write a death notice in New Zealand (with examples)
17 June 2026
What to include, how long it should be, and three example notices you can adapt — for a parent, a partner, and a sudden loss.
What to do when someone dies in New Zealand: a step-by-step checklist
17 June 2026
A calm, practical checklist for the first hours, the first week, and the weeks that follow — from getting a medical certificate to settling the estate.
How to write a will in New Zealand
16 June 2026
A plain-English guide to making a valid will under the Wills Act 2007.