Funeral Affordability & Death Care as an Election Issue w/ DIY Funeral advocate Frances Potter: 31 August, 2026

The Funeral Directors Association are calling for death care to become an election issue this year, asserting that New Zealand is out of date when it comes to the culturally diverse and financially significant support that kiwis need. New Zealand has previously been listed in the top 10 most expensive places to die around the world, with standard funerals costing upwards of $10,000 Death without Debt founder Fergus Wheeler says this comes down to excessive administration and cremation costs, and joins the call for the government to update financial support and legislation around the issue. Producer Sara spoke with Frances Potter, the current owner of the website for DIY Funerals, who has spent years supporting individuals to circumvent some of the higher costs associated with death care. She started our interview by asking about how Frances first got involved with DIY Funerals