Code of Ethics

Being a member of the NZEA means that an Embalmer adheres to the NZEA Code of Ethics and the Code of Professional Conduct. These codes are written and maintained to promote the highest ethical standards of embalming service to the public in New Zealand.

All members will abide by our code of ethics below;

  • An embalmer shall fully acknowledge their individual and collective obligations to safeguard the public health especially of those they serve and their mutual responsibilities for the proper welfare of the funeral profession.  They will at all times and in all circumstances vigilantly support the laws of our country and render service with absolute fidelity, observing the highest standard of competence and dignity.
  • They will at all times treat with confidence their business and professional relationships, co-operate with customs of all races, nationalities and creeds, observe the respect due to the deceased and ensure that all services are provided without any form of deception or misleading representation.
  • As a member of this Association they will share their knowledge and skills with fellow members.  They will at all times support high educational standards, improve techniques, encourage scientific research, observe all rules of fair competition and maintain favourable personal relationships within their own and allied professions.
  • They will ensure at all times that public announcements are such as will not bring criticism to fellow members and disrepute to the profession or the Association.
  • The embalmer shall fully acknowledge their duty to make themselves fully conversant with the Rules and Bylaws of the Association and abide and adhere to them at all times.
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Code of Conduct

Minimum standards of service offered by a member of the New Zealand Embalmers Association (Inc).

1. Standard of Conduct

1.1 In dealings with a client, embalmers will do everything in their power to ensure a standard of conduct beyond reproach or criticism.
1.2 Confidentiality will be preserved at all times and furthermore the details and/or circumstances regarding the deceased or the estate of the deceased will not be divulged except as required by law.
1.3 All embalmers will be thoroughly conversant with and abide completely with the laws of the land as they apply to funerals and to allied industries and professions.
1.4 Embalmers will always deal fairly and honestly, and will not intentionally injure the professional reputation or practice of another embalmer whether a member or not.
1.5 Transfers of human remains will be carried out with due care and in a manner which is acceptable to maintain a standard of decency and hygiene.
1.6 All monies, documents, jewellery or personal property accompanying the deceased shall be properly recorded.

2. Mortuary Services and Embalming

2.1 All human remains shall be prepared to ensure an acceptable and safe standard of hygiene.
2.2 Prior to commencing any preparation of the deceased, the embalmer should ensure that:
(a) The client family’s permission to embalm has been received; and
(b) The appropriate certificate has been signed by a medical practitioner or coroner.
2.3 The human remains and the casket will be so prepared to ensure that any liquid or gaseous products of decomposition will not escape or cause distress.
2.4 The casket will be so prepared that it could be opened at any time for inspection or viewing, the only exception to this rule will be when the law, cause, or mode of death makes it illegal or unwise to do so.
2.5 When relevant in their workplace, embalmers shall at all times observe the obligations imposed on them by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001, to:
(a) Maintain a current Approved Handler Test Certificate in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations; and
(b) Comply with all applicable requirements of the Act and/or the Regulations when they use or store tracked products.

3. NZEA Membership

3.1 In the best interests of everyone, members will be loyal to the Association, and its aims and objectives; be active in its work; make every effort to assist the development and progress of the profession; and willingly share within the Association the benefits of their experience.
3.2 When a member is charged with unethical practices or actions prejudicial to the good reputation of the association, that member will place all pertinent facts before the Executive of the Association in writing for investigation and decision.
3.3 Members will participate in continuing education.