Advance Directives

Nobody gets off this planet alive. Dying is part of living but we rarely think about death, especially our own, until or unless we have to.

"Guide to Dying - Your Way" is designed to do just that: to encourage you to think deeply about what you do and don't want for yourself if worse comes to worst, and to help you put your affairs in order to increase the likelihood of achieving the death you choose, rather than leaving it all to chance. Thinking things through when you are calm, able to research the issues and able to tell the relevant people what you want, is much better than making decisions in a crisis.

The guide also helps you to create your own Advance Directive (AD), a legally binding document which literally specifies what you do and don't want, written down, witnessed and signed. You can download one of the free PDF documents from the links below.

Some recommendations for ensuring your Advance Directive wishes are respected.

  • Wherever possible, get family support by asking your closest ones to respect your wishes as a sign of love for you. Discuss your advance directive with them from time to time.
  • Complete the form by ticking the options you accept and by scribbling out the options you reject so there can be no misunderstanding as to your preferences. If you are not sure or don’t care about a particular option, leave it blank and understand that others will decide for you regarding that option.
  • It is very helpful to your treating doctor (who is likely to be a complete stranger in an emergency) to know something about you and your values. Write a bit about yourself on the blank pages or attach separate notes. What is important to you? What you most fear about your wishes not being respected? Your notes help make you a "real" person to your doctor even though you cannot communicate.
  • Sign and date the advance directive in front of an independent witness. We recommend that this be your doctor if possible. Most doctors are very willing to act as witnesses. Alternatively, a nurse or a JP.
  • Ask your doctor to apply their service provider stamp next to their witness signature. This lets other doctors know that you have had medical involvement in the completion of your advance directive.
  • Ask your doctor to copy your advance directive to your medical centre’s patient file and to place an "alert" on it, bringing it to the attention of anyone at that practice who is treating you.
  • At the same time, ask your doctor to send a copy of your advance directive to your hospital and to put an "alert" on it there, too. When next you see your doctor, check that this has been done.
  • Ask a trusted person to act as your "agent" – see the "Guide to Dying" booklet for information. Prefer an assertive person if possible. Your agent needs to be willing to accept this role. They should have a copy of your advance directive. Their only job is to bring it to the attention of your treating doctors and to argue for your wishes to be followed if necessary.
  • Review your advance directive regularly and make changes whenever you wish.
  • Even if your advance directive stays exactly the same, re-sign at least every 5 years and get it re-witnessed (preferably by your doctor). Go through the same steps as above.
  • If you suspect loss of mental competence (e.g. dementia or similar), re-sign more frequently, e.g. every 6 months. This shows the enduring nature of your intentions.
  • Paramedics are trained to look for an advance directive/documents in your fridge if no-one is around to ask. So seal at least one copy of your advance directive into an air-tight plastic bag, then place it in a brightly coloured folder in your fridge – bright yellow attracts attention best. Label the folder clearly.
  • If your whānau/agent believes your wishes are not being respected in a hospital/care facility, they are within their rights to threaten court action on your behalf for "assault".

The "Guide to Dying - Your Way". Read the explainer at the beginning then print out the 4 page Advance Directive form at the end.

Guide & Form

The 4 page Advance Directive form only.

Form Only