Planning a funeral or memorial
Funerals and memorial services play an important part in the grieving process and acknowledging the reality of death. They let you say goodbye and celebrate the person's life. They bring whānau (family) and friends together to express their grief and give support.
Planning a funeral or memorial in advance
Planning a funeral in advance gives everyone the opportunity to offer their ideas and wishes. This includes the dying person.
If you have discussed this already or if the dying person has written an advance care plan, you may already know their wishes.
Funeral directors
Many people use a funeral director to help them make all the necessary arrangements, but you do not have to use one.
To find a funeral director, you might like to ask whānau and friends for recommendations.
It can be helpful to ring a few to find out prices and the services they offer.
Find a funeral director — Funeral Directors Association of NZexternal link
There is more information about what funeral directors do and funeral costs at the End of Life Service website.
Natural burial options
Many funeral directors offer natural burial options. Natural burials generally follow these guidelines:
- a shallow plot within the living soil layer
- no embalming
- the body dressed in natural, biodegradable materials
- a natural, biodegradable casket or shroud.
The area can be planted with native trees and shrubs a few months after the burial.
Some funeral directors offer environmental embalming options that use plant-based solutions. They are only effective for a short time, so it is recommended that funerals take place within 3 to 5 days.
Eco-friendly caskets are another option. These caskets are certified for use in natural burial sites.
Contact your local council for more information on what they offer and where you can have a natural burial. You can also visit the Natural Burials website.
Arranging things yourself
You do not have to use a funeral director. If you decide to make your own arrangements, you need to plan ahead, as you need to know how to care for the tūpāpaku (body). There are also legal requirements such as registering the death.
Registering a death — New Zealand Governmentexternal link
Organising the farewell — End of Life Serviceexternal link
For information about burials or interments, contact your local council or check its website. It may also be possible to arrange a private cremation.
Cremation New Zealandexternal link
Funerals can be expensive. Consumer NZ has information about funeral costs including ways to cut costs.
The cost of dying — Consumer NZexternal link
You can also find more help with the process of arranging a funeral or tangihanga page at Community Law.