How to write a death notice in New Zealand (with examples)

A death notice is a short public announcement that someone has died. It lets the wider community know, shares the details of the funeral or tangihanga, and gives people a chance to pay their respects. Here's how to write one.

What to include

Most notices follow a familiar shape. You don't need every element — use what feels right.

• Full name, and any name they were commonly known by.
• Town or suburb, so people know which person this is.
• Date of death (some families also include the date of birth or age).
• A line about the person — their relationships ("dearly loved wife of…", "treasured nana of…") and a touch of who they were.
• Funeral or service details — where, when, and whether all are welcome.
• Any requests — for example "family flowers only" or "donations to [charity] appreciated in lieu of flowers."

How long should it be?

Shorter than you might think. Three to six sentences is plenty for a printed notice, where every word once cost money. Online there's more room, but a death notice is still an announcement, not a full obituary or eulogy — those can come later, and can live alongside the notice.

A note on tone

Plain, warm language works best. It's perfectly normal to write "died" rather than reaching for softer phrasing, though "passed away peacefully" is common and gentle. Write the way the family speaks.

Three examples to adapt

For a parent who died after a long life:

WILSON, Margaret Anne. Peacefully at home on 14 June 2026, surrounded by her family. Dearly loved wife of the late John, treasured mother of Sarah and James, and adored nana of five. A service to celebrate Margaret's life will be held at St Paul's, Christchurch, on Friday 20 June at 11am. Family flowers only; donations to the Heart Foundation appreciated.

For a partner:

THOMPSON, David Andrew. Suddenly but peacefully at home, aged 66. Adored husband of Susan and father of two. A keen tramper who knew every hill in the Tararuas. A celebration of David's life will be held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre on Saturday at 2pm. All welcome.

For a sudden loss, where details are still being arranged:

SOLOMON, Aroha Ngaire. Taken too soon on 10 June 2026. Cherished daughter, sister and aunty. Moe mai rā. Tangihanga details to follow; please contact the family for marae arrangements.

Publishing the notice

Traditionally notices ran in the local newspaper, but more and more families publish online, where the notice reaches people instantly, can include a photo, and lets friends leave a message of condolence. You can submit a death notice to Afterword free of charge, and choose to display it for your region so the right people find it.

If you'd also like to record a fuller tribute, you can add as much as you like to the notice — the funeral details stay at the top where people need them.