Funeral Directors

Funeral directors are inspected annually by Horowhenua District Council to ensure they comply with the Health (Burial) Regulations 1946.

The basic requirements for funeral directors are:

  • Mortuary surfaces are required to be continuously smooth, impervious to water, readily cleanable and lightly coloured.
  • Floors must be coved to the walls and permanent fixtures and graded and drained to the sewer.
  • Lighting and ventilation must be adequate.
  • Mortuary tables must also be graded and drained.
  • There must be hot and cold running water and a wash hand basin must be convenient to the area and separate from other sinks.
  • Staff toilet facilities should be provided.
  • Cleaning practices, personal hygiene, pest control, building maintenance and safe chemical storage must be managed effectively.

Registration is renewable each year and an annual fee applies.

Further Information

New Zealand Legislation: Health (Burial) Regulations 1946

Applying for Registration of a Funeral Directors Premises

If you are interested in opening funeral directors premises you will also need to contact our Compliance and Consents teams.

Application for a Funeral Directors Premises(PDF, 825KB)

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