Which document must not be absent before stillborn children can be buried?

The correct answer is the cause of death certificate. In New Zealand, when a stillborn child is involved, the registration and burial process requires a formal acknowledgment of the death, and this is typically established through the issuance of a cause of death certificate. This document articulates the circumstances surrounding the stillbirth, which is essential for both legal and procedural reasons.

Having this certificate is necessary for ensuring that the death is registered correctly and allows for the appropriate record-keeping within health and legal systems. The process of burying a stillborn child is sensitive and must adhere to specific regulations; the cause of death certificate plays a crucial role in legitimizing the burial and ensuring that all necessary protocols are followed according to New Zealand law.

In contrast, while the death certificate is important, it may not provide the detailed information needed specifically regarding stillbirths, which is why it is insufficient on its own. Adoption certificates are irrelevant in the context of stillborn children, and a health practitioner's letter, while potentially useful for certain purposes, does not hold the same weight as a cause of death certificate in formal burial proceedings.