Frequently Asked Questions

Can we choose the Funeral Home ourselves?

Absolutely. Choosing a Funeral Home/Director who understands your needs, and who feels like the right fit for your family is critically important. Your decisions and preferences matter, which is why entrusting a Funeral Director with a history of providing exceptional services will be invaluable.  

Death in a hospital or nursing home

Following a death in a hospital, hospice or nursing home, medical staff will contact next of kin or family (if none are present at the time of passing), and will also contact a doctor to come and verify your loved one's death.

You will then be able to spend some time with your loved one before we transfer them into our care.

When a death occurs at home

Phone the deceased’s doctor as soon as you can, which will start the process of having the death verified. Once verification has been completed, the doctor will fill out and sign a document called ‘Medical Cause of Death’. This is a temporary death certificate that the Funeral Home will need. Once the funeral home has this, they can then register and apply for the formal Death Certificate. 

If at the time of death, it is known that the deceased wishes were for a cremation, please advise the doctor of this as soon as possible. This will ensure the smoothest proceedings for both the family and Funeral Director.
 

When is a Coroner involved?

In the event of an unexpected death at home, hospital or public place, there is a chance that the death may need to be referred to the Coroner’s Office. In such circumstances we recommend calling both the police and your doctor. 

The police will determine if the death needs to be referred to the coroner, and if it does, the coroner will carry out further investigative work to determine the cause of death.  When this has been completed the deceased will then be released to the family or Funeral Director to arrange the funeral.  You will need to inform the coroner which Funeral Home or Funeral Director you wish to use.
 

Do I have to have a funeral?   

No, however it is a legal requirement for the deceased to be cremated or buried. 

Sometimes people feel that a funeral service is not the right decision for various reasons. In cases where grief is deep and emotional, a funeral service may feel too emotionally difficult to plan and attend. Unfortunately, we know that people often regret this choice later, so please feel free to discuss this with us so that we can ensure we help you establish whether you are making the best decision for yourself and your family.

A funeral service can be a really important part of the grieving process. For some, location or other circumstances can prevent a funeral service from taking place in a timely way. In these cases, a memorial service at a later date can often be healing. 

Funerals do not have to be big public events and families can opt for a private service or even a simple gathering at home to acknowledge the life and subsequent death of someone they love. We can guide you on options that best suit your needs.
 

Do I have to use a Casket?

Yes. Your Funeral Director will be able to show you a range of caskets readily available, or options for custom-made. You may make your own casket if you wish but we strongly advise checking rules and regulations - such as environmental considerations - before embarking on this option.  

Does the Casket get cremated too?

Yes. New Zealand law decrees that the deceased must be cremated in a casket or a shroud bearer made of rigid, combustible material. This is essential for both health and safety reasons and ensures the cremation process is carried out properly.

Any flowers adorning the casket will be cremated, unless the family chooses to keep hold of them.
 

Is Embalming necessary?

Embalming ensures disinfection and preservation during the funeral period and is particularly important if you wish to spend time with the deceased. If the funeral is delayed or the body has to travel then embalming is necessary. However, embalming is optional and not required in all situations.

In the event of Repatriation, it is a legal requirement to have your loved one embalmed prior to travel.
 

Spending time with the Deceased

Many people find that spending time with (or ‘viewing’) the deceased in the time leading up to the funeral helps to provide acceptance, and offers comfort knowing your loved one is in your presence. Your Funeral Director will ask you what your preferences are around this and will make necessary arrangements with you. 

For many, there is a certain level of healing and acceptance in viewing a loved one’s body. This is particularly the case when death has been sudden or unexpected. Private viewings will always be an option, or you may wish to have your loved one home with you for family and friends to share the experience with you, in the days leading up to their funeral service. 

Of course the decision to view is deeply personal and your wishes will be respected, no matter what. 


When will I get the death certificate?

Your Funeral Director will register the death with Internal Affairs within three days following the funeral and will request a Death Certificate on your behalf. This is normally received within ten working days.
 

Burial or Cremation?

This decision can be very difficult when you do not know what the preference or wishes of your loved one was.

Together we can discuss this and help you to make the decision that you feel is right. 

Burial

In New Zealand, burials typically take place in public or private cemeteries. Some families may also consider natural burials in designated natural burial grounds. Each cemetery has its own regulations and options, including traditional burial plots, lawn cemeteries, and family plots.

A new grave may be required, or you may have an existing family grave. 

Cremation

Cremating a loved one is more common in New Zealand than holding a burial. It requires a medical referee's permission, and if possible, advising the doctor at the time they are verifying the death is ideal. Don’t worry if you have not made a decision at this time though - we can always organise this later.

You will have your loved one’s ashes once the cremation process has been completed, which you may choose to keep or scatter somewhere special. You may need permission before scattering ashes in certain locations, so please talk to us for guidance on this.