Disinterment of a body

When you can disinter (remove) a body

A body can be removed from a cemetery and relocated to another defined resting place if you have a disinterment licence from the Ministry of Health.

This may be required for cultural or legal reasons, where relatives have moved to another area, if they have been buried in the wrong plot or in circumstances of mental anguish.

For additional information about disinterment, contact the National Public Health Service - Northern Region (formerly known as Auckland Regional Public Health Service) duty Health Protection Officer (Environmental Health):

09 623 4600