When a loved one has just passed away, there are so many things to consider. For bereaved people, this is a difficult time full of loss and sadness.
In New Zealand, it is the responsibility of families to arrange the aftermath for the deceased. While this is not a legal requirement, many people hold funerals or some form of mourning for the deceased.
Planning a funeral can seem like a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with the exact process of a funeral. If you can understand the content of the funeral and the specific procedures, it will be much easier. The following information may help you arrange a proper memorial service.
Choosing a funeral director is one of the first things you need to do. You may already have a funeral director you plan to contact, or you may need to find one now. You can find the right funeral director by consulting a friend, or you can contact a few curators first to finalize the funeral plan after comparing the price and service options. You don't necessarily have to rely on the funeral director, you can also arrange your own funeral.
Ask the funeral director questions The funeral director will meet you at your home or in their office at a convenient time to discuss funeral arrangements. The meeting is usually within 24 hours of the first contact. The funeral director will take the opportunity to discuss with you the range of services they offer, and you can also make religious or cultural requests that you want the funeral to reflect.
Key issues discussed with them include:
• Who are the key decision makers in the family?
• Does burial or cremation need to be done?
• Do the remains need to be embalmed?
• Where is the funeral held?
• Are funerals religious?
• Who presides over the funeral? Priest or Overseer? The funeral director can help you with: • Post an obituary in the newspaper • Order flowers or donate to a charity of your choice
• Arrange catering services • Develop service forms
• Production of memorial presentations
• Arrange for a death certificate
• Arrange for the repatriation of remains if required
Funeral costs Currently cost between NZ$4,000 and NZ$12,000. The exact cost will depend on a number of factors, including: • Whether to be cremated or buried?
• How much planning and preparation can be completed by the family/family Financial aid available If certain eligibility criteria are met, the New Zealand Work and Income Agency (WINZ) can provide a funeral grant. However, it is not possible for the grant to cover the full cost of the funeral.
