New Zealand

Overview

New Zealand's End of Life Choice Act 2019 was approved by referendum in October 2020 (65.2% in favor) and came into force on 7 November 2021. The law is narrower than some European equivalents, restricting eligibility to terminally ill adults expected to die within 6 months (or 12 months for some neurodegenerative conditions).

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Must be 18 or older
• Must have a terminal illness likely to end life within 6 months (or 12 months for conditions like motor neurone disease)
• Must be in an advanced state of irreversible physical decline
• Must be experiencing unbearable suffering that cannot be eased in a manner acceptable to the person
• Must have decision-making capacity
• Disability alone, mental illness alone, or old age alone are not eligible

The Process

• Patient initiates conversation with their attending medical practitioner
• Two independent assessments required
• If a practitioner has a conscientious objection, they must refer the patient
• Minimum 6 days between first request and signing the final declaration
• Patient may choose self-administration or practitioner-administered medication
• Deaths reported to the Registrar-General

Key Organizations & Resources

• Ministry of Health NZ — health.govt.nz/end-of-life-choice
• End of Life Choice Society NZ — endoflifechoice.org.nz
• Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand

Legal Contacts

• Ministry of Health NZ — Assisted Dying Service — The central government body responsible for the End of Life Choice Act. Provides official information, eligibility summaries, and referral pathways. health.govt.nz (search "assisted dying")
• New Zealand Legislation — End of Life Choice Act 2019 — Full text of the Act is freely available at legislation.govt.nz for legal reference.
• Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) — Administers the Assisted Dying Service through regional offices; each region has a dedicated assisted dying coordinator.

Medical Contacts

• New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) — The professional body for NZ doctors; publishes guidance on physician participation and conscientious objection. nzma.org.nz
• Hospice New Zealand — National palliative care network; connects patients with hospice services as an alternative or alongside the assisted dying pathway. hospice.org.nz
• Assisted Dying Service Regional Coordinators (Te Whatu Ora) — Each region has a coordinator who can help patients find willing practitioners. Contact your local Te Whatu Ora office to begin the process.

Important: Contact details and eligibility requirements change. Always verify information directly with each organisation before taking any action.