Auckland, new Zealand – December 25, 2025 10:00:00 – The number of people dying alone in the Auckland region-without family or friends to arrange their final farewells-has surged in the past year, raising questions about social isolation and the strain on public resources.
A Growing Number of Unclaimed Remains
A recent increase in unclaimed bodies is prompting councils to cover the costs of cremation and burial for those who pass away with no known next of kin.
- Auckland Council covered the cost of 15 cremations in the last year,a notable jump from previous years.
- Christchurch City Council has also seen a rise in “Poor Person burials,” managing eight such cases by November.
- Funeral homes are increasingly stepping in to provide dignified services for individuals with no identified family.
Auckland Council covered the cost of cremation for 15 people in the last year, a stark increase from the five cremations and one burial covered in the previous year. The last comparable spike occurred in 2022, when the council funded 11 cremations. Nikki Nelson, Auckland Council’s Manager of Cemetery Services, explained that the council provides end-of-life services in specific circumstances for individuals with no known relatives, frequently enough referred from Health New Zealand after passing away in hospitals or hospices. “The council has complete responsibility for ensuring that even those in their world, we are able to look after them with respect and dignity.” – Jamie Harvey, Manager of Simplicity Funerals Christchurch
Simplicity Funerals conducts a simple service at the burial, with a staff member offering a few words and council sextons typically in attendance.Friends of the deceased are welcome to attend,though council rules prohibit headstones or memorials until cemetery fees are paid. Harvey noted that Simplicity has been managing these burials for approximately seven years, with numbers steadily increasing. “Sadly there has been an increase year on year. Historically there would be potentially be two or three people each year, but so far this year we are into the double digits.”
Financial Assistance and Regional Variations
In Christchurch, individuals can also apply for assistance with funeral costs through the council’s Mayoral Welfare Fund. Between October 2024 and October 2025, two applications were approved, totaling $2400 in funding. Wellington City Council has covered six indigent services as 2020-one burial and five cremations-with some local funeral homes also contributing to costs. Dunedin City Council carried out four indigent burials and 34 indigent cremations between 2020 and 2023, after which point costs were covered by Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) funeral grants.
Q: What support is available for families struggling with funeral expenses?
A: Auckland Council advises that Work and Income may provide funeral grants to families facing financial hardship. Other councils offer similar assistance programs, and funeral homes often work with individuals to explore available options.
An Auckland Council spokesperson emphasized that Work and Income can provide support for families struggling to cover funeral expenses for loved ones.
