Game Over: Can You Afford To Die?

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3y ago 23:01

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Death is one of life’s certainties, but can you afford to die? According to the Ministry of Health the average price of a funeral is $8-10k. While this may not seem like a lot for some people, one in ten New Zealanders have no savings. We examine the funeral industry – can you BYO coffin? Why does it cost so much? Also, why is it so hard to find out funeral costs up front?

We talk to one woman about her experience navigating the death industry after the sudden and unexpected death of her mother. Ex-casket maker Tamara Linnhoff shares inside information about anti-competitive practices in the industry, and Stephen Parkyn, the CEO of ‘Consumer Trusted’ Funeral Directors Lamb & Hayward tells us how regulation could improve things for consumers.

Thanks to this Vee Blackwood, Tamara Linnhoff & Stephen Parkyn for joining us this week.

If you are struggling with the costs of arranging a funeral financial help may be available. More information is available on the NZ Government website, or via the Citizens Advice Bureau.

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39 episodes

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