Planning a Funeral

Funeral Planning

Preplanning a funeral offers peace of mind and relieves your family of making difficult decisions under pressure. We can securely store your wishes and provide a copy to your next of kin or executor. 

Writing a Eulogy

Often, a celebrant or minister will invite you to prepare a “life story” for the service. You may choose to read it yourself or ask a family member, friend, or the celebrant to do so. Don’t feel pressured to cover every detail—focus on the moments and memories that matter most. Talking it through with family can help bring special memories to mind. Consider topics such as:

– Place and date of birth

– Family, schooling, childhood, teenage years

– Career, marriage, children, homes

– Travel, hobbies, special events, clubs

– Favourite sayings, stories, readings, music

Celebrants or Clergy

If you’d like a religious service but don’t have a minister, we can arrange one for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a non-religious ceremony, we can introduce you to a celebrant who will tailor the service to reflect your wishes.

Musicians

Whether it’s an organist, piper, or soloist, we can help arrange musical performances that bring a personal and emotional element to the service.

Service Sheets

Order of service or hymn sheets are a lovely way to honour the life of your loved one. We can help design and print these for you in either black and white or full colour.

Memorial Books

These books serve as a record of those who came to pay their respects and leave messages of remembrance. They become cherished keepsakes over time.

Death Notices

We can assist with writing and placing death notices in newspapers across New Zealand and internationally, ensuring that wording, formatting, and deadlines are taken care of.

After-Hours Support

Our team is available after hours by calling (06) 560 3054. If someone close to you has passed, we can guide you on what to do next and arrange for them to be brought into our care.

Embalming

Modern embalming is a professional, hygienic process that preserves your loved one and helps create a natural, peaceful appearance for viewing. It plays an important role in ensuring a positive and dignified farewell.

Ashes

Deciding what to do with your loved one’s ashes can take time. Options range from scattering at sea or in a garden, to burial in a cemetery, public garden, or temple. We’re here to discuss what feels right for you and help with the arrangements.

Repatriation

If a loved one passes overseas—or you wish to return them to their home country—we can manage the necessary legal documentation and logistics. Our experience in repatriation allows you to focus on your family while we handle the details.