Professional Codes

Code of Ethics

Members of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand and the individual funeral directors on its register recognise the responsibilities entrusted to them in their relationships with:
(a) the bereaved they serve
(b) the public at large
(c) the profession of which they are a part.

Specifically they have agreed:

To accept as a duty the maintenance of truth, accuracy , dignity and good taste.
To maintain in all matters the highest standards of business, professional and personal conduct.
To respect in all circumstances the confidentiality and trust placed in them by reason of their function and calling.
To preserve within the bounds of dignity, good taste and practicality, the right of personal choice and decision-making for the families they serve, and due regard for the ethnic origin and spiritual beliefs of the deceased person.
To maintain qualified and competent personnel with facilities and equipment adequate to provide a comprehensive funeral service.
To provide accurate information concerning the range of services and merchandise available, the prices of the same, and the functions and responsibilities accepted on behalf of their clients.

Code of Conduct

Minimum standard of service offered by a member of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (Inc),and by those whose names are entered in the Association's Register of Funeral Directors.

In dealings with a client, member firms and funeral directors will do everything in their power to ensure a standard of conduct beyond reproach or criticism.
No gratuity in cash or kind will be made to solicit business, and no one should cause or allow any action within a member firm which by deliberate promotion or other means would be calculated to attract business unfairly.
All human remains will be dealt with to ensure an acceptable and safe standard of hygiene, and whenever casketed remains are to be transported any distance by another agency, arterial and cavity embalming should be carried out before the commencement of the journey. Where in such instance the act of embalming is expressly declined during the funeral arrangements, then the funeral director will for his/her own protection obtain a signed statement to that effect.
The casket will be so prepared that it could be opened at any time for inspection or viewing, the only exception to this rule will be when the law, case, or mode of death makes it illegal or unwise to do so.
The human remains and the casket will be so prepared to ensure that any liquid or gaseous products of decomposition will not escape or cause distress.
Other than when required by religious orders, or at the specific request of a client, the internal furnishings of a casket will consist of at least a full length waterproof liner, side drapes, and a pillow or cushion.
Removal of human remains will be carried out with due care and in a manner which is acceptable to maintain a standard of decency and hygiene set by the Health (Burial) Regulations.
Transportation to the church, crematorium, cemetery or any other place will be done in a manner which befits the occasion and does credit to the profession. Funeral personnel will be dressed in a manner that does not distract from the dignity of their profession.
Where a removal to a mortuary is performed at the request of an outside agency, the funeral director will await further instructions and will not in any way make the first approach to the deceased's next of kin.
There a service to the public is offered in any name other than the true business name of the member, then:
1. Only the member's true telephone number and address should be used, and
2. The true business name of the member will be shown, preceded by the words, "an associate of...", or "in association with..."

Further a member will not:

1. Create or operate a 'paper' funeral company, or 'paper' funeral business for the business of inveigling clients
2. Publicise a company or business as if it were a fully equipped funeral firm in its own right, when in reality it is a façade for the true firm's operation.
Members' advertisements will be dignified and in good taste.
Confidentiality will be preserved at all times and furthermore the details and/or circumstances regarding the deceased or the estate of the deceased will not be divulged except as required by law.
In the best interests of everyone, members and registered funeral directors will be loyal to the Association, its aims and objectives; be active in its work, make every effort to assist the development and progress of the profession, and willingly share within the Association the benefits of their experience, and conduct their business so as to avoid controversy.
All funeral directors will be thoroughly conversant with and abide completely with the law of the land as they apply to funerals and to allied industries and professions. Conviction in a criminal court of law of any offence punishable by imprisonment shall be sufficient grounds for expulsion from:
1. Membership and/or
2. The register.
Funeral directors will always deal fairly and honestly, and will not intentionally injure the professional reputation or practice of another funeral director whether a member or not.

When a member or funeral director is charged with unethical practices, or actions prejudicial to the good reputation of the association, that member or funeral director will place all pertinent facts before the executive of the Association in writing for investigation and decision.