8. Question No. 8—Health (Pacific Peoples)Dr ELIZABETH KEREKERE to the Associate Minister of Health (Pacific Peoples)Question No. 8—Health (Pacific Peoples)8. Dr ELIZABETH KEREKERE to the Associate Minister of Health (Pacific Peoples): What actions has the Government taken based on the consultations and reviews of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 since 2017 and will she introduce legislation on this subject in this Parliament? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS (Associate Minister of Health (Pacific Peoples)): Talofa lava Mr Speaker. In response to the last question I am open to amending the Act but no policy decisions have been made to do so. No changes will be introduced before the House rises next month. In response to the first part of the question the Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora ran a public consultation process on possible options to modernise the legislation in late 2019. That consultation followed a review by the Law Commission which concluded that the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 is outdated and should be repealed and replaced with new legislation. The ministry's public consultation process identified further areas that needed consideration. Since then health officials have been engaging further with individuals and community groups who have an interest in this area of reform. One issue being actively considered is whether a broader range of factors needed to be considered the impact of non-regulatory changes such as implementing online death certification and updating guidance for practitioners. Dr Elizabeth Kerekere: So with the consultation the Minister has undertaken has that included with community sector groups such as Ngā Pou Herenga—the Funeral Guides Collective—and if so was there specific consultation with tangata whenua who act as funeral guides on marae and in their communities? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS: I'm advised that Manatū Hauora officials undertook public consultation in 2019 and 2020 on potential options to modernise the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 in relation to legislation. The group Death Without Debt provided a public submission and met with officials in August last year to discuss the burial and cremation work programme and policy proposals. Health officials contacted a number of Māori providers based on iwi and hapū listed in Te Kāhui Māngai—the directory of iwi and Māori organisations—as well as other groups such as the New Zealand Māori Council. Manatū Hauora asked these groups and organisations to submit on the consultation document and to disseminate it amongst their members. There were a total of 196 submissions on the consultation. This included submissions from Ngāi Tahu Māori Law Centre; Ngāheke Waiwhetu Marae; Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust; and Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board. In addition there were 14 individual submitters who identified as Māori. Dr Elizabeth Kerekere: What affordable options for whānau has the Minister considered if any outside of the private funeral industry that currently enjoys a captive market for pre - cremation and burial paperwork in almost all after-death care? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS: I'm very aware of the costs for whānau in the private funeral industry. Health officials are continuing to work on options in this area. That advice has not yet been received. In other portfolios there are a number of Government initiatives to support whānau who might be struggling with the costs associated with funerals. For example depending on the circumstances grants may be available from agencies including the Ministry of Social Development ACC and a range of charitable organisations. Dr Elizabeth Kerekere: What does the Minister say to advocacy group Death Without Debt—who are in the gallery today—who are concerned about funeral-driven poverty in her call for extending the health and disability code to include after-death care so doctors complete pre - cremation and burial paperwork and the public is not forced to depend on the private funeral industry to do so? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS: I am aware of and empathise with Death Without Debt's concerns. I acknowledge the work they do and their members' advocacy. Manatū Hauora is still considering work in this space and expects to provide further advice in the next few months. Dr Elizabeth Kerekere: Has the Minister considered the impact that severe weather events have on tangihanga and funerals in areas such as Te Tairāwhiti where we must cremate our loved ones such as we did two weeks ago with my uncle Kahu Smiler because the high water table will preclude burials potentially for months? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS: First of all my condolences to the member for her whānau's loss. I have not received any advice on this issue. However the management of cemeteries and burial grounds is the responsibility of local authorities and those decisions sit with local authorities.