Research reveals Kiwis grieve their pets as much as their family members
MEDIA RELEASE: 30 January 2025
It is well-known that Kiwis love their pets, so it is perhaps not surprising that recent research has shown the death of a pet to be as emotionally intense as the death of a family member.
The research conducted late last year by Grief Centre and the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand revealed a grief emotional intensity rating of 7.9/10, just slightly higher than the death of a family member at 7.8/10 but not statistically significantly different. The research also revealed that one in four New Zealanders had experienced the death of a pet in the last two years.
Grief Centre General Manager Katrina King says demand for grief counselling for pet loss is growing and several of their counsellors have supported people grieving the death of a pet.
“Grieving the death of a beloved family pet is absolutely valid. Many people will have personally experienced this and would agree that it is an incredibly sad time.
New Zealanders generally consider their pets as part of the family unit, so it is natural to struggle when a pet dies.”
She also says that there is growing interest from counsellors, veterinarians and others working with animals in understanding more about pet loss and what support grieving pet owners need.
“In 2024 we ran a popular professional development webinar with Australian pet loss support organisation By My Side and had many professionals attend to better understand how to support their clients through this difficult time,” she says.
Attached are some of the results of the 'National Grief Survey,' conducted by Marble Consulting and Dynata on behalf of the Grief Centre and the Funeral Directors Association, showing the intensity of various grief events.
Click below to download the research summary.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katrina King, General Manager Grief Centre, 0274 595 923, katrina.king@griefcentre.org.nz
Death and grief are all around us – and this time of year is hard
MEDIA RELEASE: 28 November 2024
As the festive season approaches, many of us will be taking time to remember loved ones who have died, with new research from Grief Centre and the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand showing 1 in every 2 New Zealanders has had a family member die in the last two years, and almost 1 in 3 have had a friend die.
The research reveals grief after loss from a death or other loss event impacts the ability of over 50% of New Zealanders to function in their personal and professional lives because of its effect on mental wellbeing. The average intensity of grief was rated at 7.1/10 with women rating their grief statistically more severe than men, but there was little difference as to how people experienced grief across the different age groups.
General Manager Grief Centre, Katrina King says the research is a stark reminder that grief needs to be recognised and those grieving need support.
“Grief is big for people and particularly at this time of the year, when the death of a loved one is highlighted through their absence in family traditions. Our research showed that 20% of people had accessed professional support for their grief but most of us rely on family and friends for support and the reality is that they might not be equipped to provide the best support.”
Attending a funeral is also revealed as a grief support tool with nearly 80% of New Zealanders believing that attending a funeral or tangihanga makes a positive impact on their grief journey.
President of the Funeral Directors Association, Andrew Malcolm, says that’s no surprise supporting their anecdotal experience that the rituals, ceremonies and human support offered through a funeral help families move through the early days of grief.
“Whether it’s a traditional and large event, or something smaller and more personalised, we see examples every day of the huge value a meaningful farewell ceremony brings to the people left behind,” says Andrew.
“It’s also why at this time of the year many people take comfort from remembrance services run by funeral homes in their community. It can be a great support to gather with others who are also mourning.”
Acknowledging that this is a difficult time of year for grief, Grief Centre is currently raising awareness about how we can remember and celebrate loved ones with their “A Moment to Remember” campaign.
Katrina says, “This is about people taking a moment – either by themselves, with friends and family, or even colleagues – to remember and celebrate a loved one by doing something that reminds you of them.”
“We’re also hoping people will support us with a donation this week, perhaps in lieu of a Christmas gift or as an acknowledgement of a loved one. While our research told us over 50% of people thought support for grief counselling should be Government funded, the reality is it’s not. We need to find new ways to support people to continue to function through the intense grief we are all going to feel at some stage in our lives,” she says.
Click below to download the research summary.
Media contacts:
Katrina King
General Manager | Grief Centre
M: +64 274 595 923
E: Katrina.king@griefcentre.org.nz
The Grief Centre is a charitable trust, established in 2009. Our vision is Tautoko mō ngā tāngata katoa e noho ana i te ngaromanga: Supporting all people living through loss. They provide loss and grief counselling, resources and support groups for youth, adults, families and whānau experiencing any form of significant loss.
Gillian Boyes
CEO | Funeral Directors Association
M: +64 29 200 8985
E: gillian@funeraldirectors.co.nz
The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand represents funeral directing companies that undertake the majority of funerals in New Zealand. They are a group of caring professionals who are committed to ensuring that the families they serve receive high-quality funeral service. For more information, visit our website: www.funeraldirectors.co.nz
