- Newspaper notices
Newspapers around New Zealand require the funeral director to insert the main death and funeral notices for the family. We are happy to help you compose the notice and to insert it for you in both New Zealand and overseas newspapers. The funeral director can advise you on cut off times and costs.
How to compose a funeral notice
- Chapel
We have a modern, air conditioned chapel on site which seats 100 people and an overflow area for more, a full sound system and wheelchair access.
- Details for registration of Death for the Registrar
Details for the death certificate are given by the family and the doctor to the funeral director, who then forwards it to the National Registry Office in Wellington. They issue the Death Certificate, usually within 2 weeks.
- Service sheets
Chosen hymns/songs and readings can be printed along with funeral details. Either a black and white or colour photo/s or picture/s of your choice can be used. We require 24 hours notice to produce these.
View Order of Service Sheet
- Viewing
Once the preparations have been completed, there is the option of having the casket brought home, or you can visit your loved one at our Funeral Home. Please phone to confirm a time. This is especially important for after-hours visits, as our duty personnel will need to open up the premises for you.
- Clothing
There is no 'correct' set of clothes to use. You may choose a suit, dress, casual clothing, nightwear, or whatever else feels right. Glasses and dentures should be supplied if they are usually worn. You are welcome to dress or assist with dressing. A decision needs to be made about what is to happen to all jewellery.
- Cosmetics and Hairstyle
We may lightly apply special cosmetics to restore a natural skin tone. Lipstick and perfume usually worn can be used. You are welcome to give advice and participate with both cosmetising and hairstyling. A recent photo or a description is very helpful.
- Funeral celebrant
We have a list of celebrants available to suit your family. The gratuity for their service is usually a set amount and is usually paid by the funeral director on your behalf.
- Immediate Family Members
The family usually arrives at the church or chapel near to the starting time of the funeral. Alternatively, you may wish to come early and greet people as they arrive. You will be met by the funeral director or celebrant and escorted to your seats. It is usual for the family to be seated in the front rows, which may be reserved to ensure all the immediate family is seated together. Parking may be reserved near the entrance. After the funeral service you may wish to allow time to greet people before the funeral procession moves on. When driving in a funeral procession, please have your headlights on and dipped.
- Pallbearers
Usually six people carry the casket. They may be women or men, younger or older people, family members or representatives of groups/clubs. Those who are selected should make themselves known to the funeral director 10 minutes before the service, to discuss how this duty will be carried out. The casket is usually set in place half an hour before the service begins, unless it is being carried in at the start time. As the casket is being carried out the family usually follow on behind.
- Flowers
We can arrange flowers for the casket, the church and for memory time. After the service they can be taken home, sent to a hospital or rest home, or left at the crematorium or cemetery.
- Organist and Music
An organist can be arranged if required and the gratuity system is as above. Some churches have their own organist. We have a portable sound system for playing CDs and tapes. We also have a range of pre-recorded hymns and music appropriate for funerals. It is now very common for the family to provide CDs and tapes of their own.
- Catering
Catering can be arranged in our reception lounge or at a venue of your choice following the service.
- Donations
Donations instead of floral gifts may be preferred. This can be advised in the newspaper notice along with the charity's name and address. A donation box will be supplied at the funeral service, and the money forwarded on to the charity.
- Memorial/Visitors Book
A personalized booklet is provided free of charge. There can be a photo on the front, including family and service details. At the service those who attend are invited to sign pages which are bound together to form the memorial book.
- Audio and/or Video Recordings
Sometimes family members are overseas and unable to attend the funeral service. A recording can be taken for their benefit.
- Photographs/Photo Board
These are available on request. Also, using magnetic strips, photos can be arranged on a photoboard for display at the service or reception.
- Cars and Buses
Cars can be hired to take the family to the church, cemetery and back home again. Buses can also be hired to take members of the congregation to the cemetery and back to the refreshments venue.
- Acknowledgment/Thank You Cards
We have a catalogue with a range of these cards at our Funeral Home, and can advise on other local sources and options.
- Returned Service Personnel
There is provision for the subsidised burial of both caskets and ashes urns at the Services Section of most Cemeteries, with provision for the spouse also. We can supply a flag, poppies and "The Last Post", and can later on help you arrange a subsidised bronze plaque memorial.
- Memorials/Headstones & Plaques
Our staff will offer you advice and assistance in choosing a memorial. In our showroom we have a range of headstones and plaques in a variety of different granites. We also display bronze plaques, bases, scripts, lettering, photos, designs, and pictures to help you in your decitions.
View Headstones and Plaques
- We can also offer help with:
- arranging Overseas Transportation of caskets and ashes urns
- a grave marker
- a cost estimate
- WINZ and ACC Funeral grant application assistance
- information pamphlets
- referrals to support groups and counselors
- speakers for local groups and tours through our funeral home
