You should check within the family whether the deceased had already bought a burial plot.
As an example, in 2021 a burial plot in the public cemeteries run by Porirua City Council cost $2,260 for an adult-size plot and $1,055 for a child (under 10). A second burial in the same plot cost $1,220, or $575 for a child.
You’ll need to pay for the plot immediately, or give the council proof that Work and Income or ACC will pay for it through a funeral grant (see: “Financial support for bereaved families”). If the deceased qualifies for a funeral grant, contact Work and Income or ACC first, so that this can be processed as soon as possible.
You should contact the local council at least 24 hours before burial to choose a burial plot, although in urgent cases you may be able to arrange a plot on the same day as the burial if you contact them early on that day.
The grave will be dug by the cemetery’s “sexton”, and the cost of this is usually covered in the charge for the plot.