23/04/2026
The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand has released its 2026 Industry Report, offering a clear snapshot of where our profession is heading and what families in Aotearoa are choosing when it comes to farewell services.
The report highlights key shifts in how we approach funerals today — from evolving cultural expectations and changing service preferences, through to the increasing importance of transparency, affordability, and personalisation. It also explores the growing demand on the industry as death rates rise and communities continue to diversify.
More than anything, it reinforces a simple truth: meaningful farewells still matter deeply. Even as traditions evolve, families continue to seek guidance, care, and connection at one of life’s most vulnerable moments.
This report is a valuable read for anyone working in, or supporting, end-of-life care in New Zealand.
