Euthanasia becomes legal this Sunday but the requirements will be strict.  

It follows nearly two-thirds of New Zealanders voting to legalise assisted dying last year. 

The criteria to request it includes being 18 and over, in an advanced state of irreversible physical decline with unbearable suffering, and able to make an informed decision about it.  

The Act Party's End of Life Choice spokeswoman Brooke van Velden told Kate Hawkesby at any given time only a handful of New Zealanders will be eligible for assisted dying under the strict criteria. 

“We expect that, over the first year, about one thousand people will request assisted dying but not all of those people will actually be eligible and be able to go through the process.” 

She says it's good people who are suffering terribly now have compassion, choice and dignity for their final days. 

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