DIY Funeral Workshops NZ

2026 Workshops and Webinars

“Great session, well organised content and surprisingly fun! These workshops are exactly what is needed out there.” Donna, Tauranga

Subscribing (free) is the best way to make sure you don’t miss the next workshop near you.

Workshops are generally four hours long (including breaks) and cost is around $40 per person, $60 for a pair or couple, $70 for a family group of three OR BY DONATION All proceeds go back into our advocacy. DWD is run entirely on voluntary labour. Some workshops cost less if the venue is free, the workshop has a shorter format or there is sponsoring organisation.

A 60 page D.I.Y. guide is included with your registration. Tea and snacks are provided. For those workshops spanning midday, please note lunches are not included.

If you need parking close to the venue, or a disability drop-off, email ahead so we can help. Likewise if you have trouble registering: [email protected]

UPCOMING 2026 WORKSHOPS:

Tokomairiro – South Otago. 11 May, 10am to 12pm. Presbyterian Church. Presenter Lee-Anne Michelle. Brought to you by Clutha Budgeting and Death Without Debt. Free, koha welcome. For more info or to register please contact [email protected] or [email protected] 027 9598570

Dunedin 19 May, 1 – 3pm, St Mark’s Church, Shand St, Green Island. Free, koha welcome. Presenter: Lee-Anne Michelle of Clutha Budgeting. Workshop brought to you by Death Without Debt, Clutha Budgeting, Age Concern Otago and Greater Green Island Community Network. Register through Age Concern Otago, 03 479 3054 [email protected]

Dunedin May 21st, 10 – 12 noon, South Dunedin, Community Hall, 253 King Edward St. Free, koha welcome. Lee-Anne Michelle of Clutha Budgeting. Workshop brought to you by Death Without Debt, Clutha Budgeting and Age Concern Otago. Register through Age Concern Otago, 03 479 3054 [email protected]

Invercargill Thursday 21st May, 12.45 to 1.45. Chat session at Age Concern with Flora Gilkeson, former CEO of Southland Hospice about Death Without Debt. No need to book. See you there. Enquiries please to Age Concern Invercargill, 50 Forth St, 03 218 6351

Owaka – Otago. 27 May, 10am to noon. Owaka Library. Free, koha welcome. Presenter: Lee-Anne Michelle, Clutha Budgeting. Brought to you by Death Without Debt, Age Concern Otago and Clutha Budgeting. For more info and to register contact Robyn Bell, [email protected], 03 418 0536 or Lee Anne at [email protected]

Bulls, Saturday 13th June at the RSA rooms. 11am to 3pm. Cost $15 per person. Includes 60 page booklet. Presenters: Mel Hemi (Kaiwhakapuaki/Health Coach for Bestcare Whakapai Hauora: Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne ki Wairau, Rangitāne o Manawatu and Suzanne Chelius (doula, DWD exec).

Wellington, Sunday 14th July 1 – 5pm at Lyall Bay Community Church hall. Presenters Fergus Wheeler and invited guest presenters. Cost $40 per person, $55 for two, $70 for family group of three. OR BY DONATION. Register using the form below or by email.

Taupo Friday 3rd July. Venue: REAP Taupo. 73 Titiraupunga St, 12pm to 4pm. $40 ($55 for two, $70 family group of three) OR BY DONATION. Bring your own lunch. Snacks and tea served. Presenters: Tilly Stevens and friends.

Raglan/Whaingaroa, 11 July. Presenters: Gaylene Delaney (Doula and Nurse) and Robyn Wilson (Doula and Social Worker) plus locals. Organised in conjunction with End of Life Matters, Whaingaroa. This will be an afternoon workshop. More details soon.

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WORKSHOPS COVER:

• Funeral planning, wills, Enduring Power of Attorney, Advanced Care Plans, probate
• After-death paperwork requirements and avoiding professional service fees
• Care and transport of the body
• When you need a coffin and when you don’t.
• The pros and cons of cremation vs burial. Alternative and environmental technologies.
• The politics and history of funerals
• Community initiatives and collective action for funeral reform
• And much more . . .

Why is a nation of DIYers spending so much on funerals?