International Acknowledgement for Funeral Directors' Book on Death
When first published in 2005 Last Words - approaches to
death in New Zealand, was hailed as an invaluable education
tool for people dealing daily with death. The 200 page book which
describes 32 separate ethnic, cultural and religious approaches to
death and dying is now acknowledged by the Cities of Migration
organisation.
Cities of Migration through its website, showcases innovation
and excellence in urban integration practice. Last Words
is featured in a collection of "100 Good Ideas in Integration."
These address issues that relate broadly to migrants and refugees
and their families and how they can be assisted into the society of
their host country.
Last Words was complied by author Margot Schwass who
developed connections with New Zealand's immigrant communities
while preparing her MA thesis.
The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ)
commissioned the book to "provide education for those coming into
the profession" explains FDANZ President Neil Little. "Within our
profession initial training is largely provided by the employer and
while many funeral homes have their own training programmes they
supplement them with whatever resources are available" said Mr
Little. "Last Words is an invaluable education tool."
Where death and dying in New Zealand once generally observed
mainly Maori and Pakeha our ethnic, cultural and religious
diversity today is far more complex. Widespread awareness and
respect for this diversity has lead to Last Words also
benefiting those who run rest homes and private hospitals as well
as funeral celebrants and the clergy.
In his introduction to Last Words Race Relations
Commissioner Joris de Bres observed "…in looking at the diverse
approaches to death in our country, we learn not only about each
other but also about ourselves."
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