New Zealand

Kiingi Tuheitia (1955–2024), king of New Zealand’s Māori 

Kiingi Tuheitia was the king of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori from 2006 until his death, a leader who worked to unify the nation’s tribes.

David Seidler (1937–2024), screenwriter of The King’s Speech 

David Seidler was the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of “The King’s Speech” and the credited co-writer of the Francis Ford Coppola film “Tucker: The Man and His Dream.”

Anne Perry (1938–2023), Thomas Pitt and William Monk crime novelist 

Anne Perry was a bestselling author of British crime novels whose own crime, committed when she was a teen, was dramatized in the movie “Heavenly Creatures.” 

Bob “Bushwhacker Butch” Miller (1944–2023), wrestling hall of famer

Bob Miller was a professional wrestler better known by his ring name, Bushwhacker Butch .

Janet MacPherson (1937–2022), pioneer of women’s surfing

Janet MacPherson was a pioneer of women’s surfing, who became a legend in the surfing community.

Kiwi Celebrity Deaths 2022

Though these famous figures have died, their legacies live on and continue to inspire and delight us. Join us as we remember celebrities who died in 2022.

Kiwi Celebrity Deaths 2021

Though these famous figures have died, their legacies live on and continue to inspire and delight us. Join us as we remember celebrities who died in 2021.

New Zealand Volcano Eruption Victims (2019)

At least eight people are confirmed dead after a volcano erupted on New Zealand’sWhakkari or White Island on Monday.

Pua Magasiva (1980–2019), starred as the Red Ranger in “Power Rangers Ninja Storm”

Also had a long running role on the New Zealand soap opera “Shortland Street.”

Christchurch, New Zealand Shooting Victims (2019)

At least 49 were killed in a terrorist attack at two mosques.

Peter Thomson (1929 – 2018), Australian golfing legend

Five-time British Open champion…

Take the Time to Talk

For most of us, talking about end-of-life issues with loved ones isn’t easy. But it can be a rich and rewarding experience that connects families and strengthens relationships.

John Clarke (1948 - 2017)

John Clarke, the beloved New Zealand-born satirist and comedian, died Sunday, April 9, 2017.

Funeral Music Across Cultures

The emotional power of music makes it a natural part of funeral ceremonies, no matter which culture you belong to.

Jonah Lomu (1975 - 2015)

Jonah Lomu, who bulldozed opponents with his size and blistering speed only to be felled by a kidney illness that extinguished his meteoric All Blacks career, died suddenly at his home in Auckland, New Zealand, The Associated Press reported. He was 40.

This Speech from a High School Senior with Cancer Is Truly Inspirational

Senior year in high school tends to be a whirlwind. For Jake Bailey, it was also a time to come to terms with the grim reality of cancer.

Nancy Wake, The White Mouse

One of the Allies' most decorated servicewomen of World War II, Nancy Wake was a key figure in the French resistance.

Remembering Sir Edmund Hillary

In 1953 Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first to climb to the summit of Mt Everest.

100 Years of Anzac

On Anzac Day –  25 April –  we mark the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops at Gallipoli during World War I. As we commemorate the centenary of the First World War, we look back at the original Anzacs and the history of Anzac Day. Join us in paying tribute to all Australians and New Zealanders who have served.