Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand

The Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand (FSTT) is the Industry Training Organisation (ITO) for the funeral industry in New Zealand. FSTT was among the first to be accredited when ITOs were created in the early 1990’s.

As an ITO, FSTT is responsible for overseeing the national qualifications in Funeral Services. It does this by registering unit standards on the national frame work and by arranging the delivery of the qualifications.

FSTT is also responsible for the ongoing training of funeral directors and embalmers in New Zealand. This task is mainly carried out though seminars run on behalf of different groups and the awarding of Training Hour Credits towards their funeral directing or embalming practicing certificates.

The aims of the the Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand are:

To educate New Zealand funeral directors, embalmers and students in all matters concerning the funeral industry
Promoting exchange between New Zealand and other countries of educational material in the field of funeral directing and embalming
Encouraging funeral director company programmes and self-help educational seminars throughout the South Pacific region
Fostering and encouraging supporting industries to be involved in the education and training of the funeral industry
To work with other agencies both in New Zealand and overseas in support of the above aims.

Code of Industry Ethics

Funeral Directors and Embalmers have an ethical obligation to serve each family in a professinal and caring manner, being respectful of their wishes and confidences and being honest and fair in all dealings with them; and to willingly provide professional and quality service to every person within the community and to care for the deceased person with the highest respect and dignity.

They will at all times and in all circumstances:

Render service with fidelity observing the highest standards of truth, competence and dignity within the laws of our country.
Maintain in all matters the highest standard, professional and personal conduct, doing everything in their power to ensure a standard of conduct beyond reproach or criticism, respecting in all circumstances the confidentially and trust placed in them by reason of their function and calling.
Fully acknowledge their obligations to safeguard public health, and their mutual responsibilities for the proper welfare of the funeral profession.
Co-operate with the customs of all races, nationalities and creeds, preserving within the bounds of dignity, good taste and practicality, the right of personal choice and decision-making for the families they serve.
Always observe the respect due to the deceased with due regard to their ethnic origin and spiritual beliefs.
Share their knowledge and skills with fellow professionals, support high educational standards, improve techniques, and maintain favourable personal relationships with their own and allied professions.
Abstain from any public announcement that may bring criticism to fellow funeral directors and/or embalmers, or disrepute to the profession in general.