Funeral options
WE CAN HELP EASE THE BURDEN OF ORGANISING A FUNERAL.
At Rosetown Funerals, we understand that dealing with the loss of a loved one is an incredibly difficult time. That’s why we are available to support you whenever the need arises. Our primary goal is to ease the burden of organising the funeral, allowing you to focus on cherishing the memories of your loved one. We are here to be your trusted advisor, organiser, and compassionate supporter, ensuring that every aspect of the funeral choices are arranged with the utmost sensitivity and care.
STEPS TO TAKE AND THINGS TO CONSIDER.
BURIAL OR CREMATION.
Burial: New Zealand law requires an officially designated cemetery for burial. Fees apply for purchasing a plot and interment. You can buy a double-depth plot for a second interment, but an opening fee will be charged for it. Burial plot fees vary by local councils.
Cremation: Many choose to keep cremated ashes for later distribution or burial in meaningful locations. Others opt for cemetery interment, which incurs fees. While some crematoria are privately owned, their cremation fees are usually similar to those run by councils.
Please note that none of these fees include headstones, plaques, or similar memorials.
For more information, visit our Burial & Cremation Options page
FUNERAL VENUES.
Many people choose a church for funeral services because of its main hall and reception area for gatherings. It often holds significance for the family, making the occasion more special. This is not the only option.
Funeral homes also offer chapels and reception areas. Other options include local clubrooms and outdoor venues like parks or sports grounds. Rosetown Funerals can help explore available options. Share your ideas, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Note that some venues may require a fee or donation, and we will advise on this.
MINISTERS OR CELEBRANTS.
Celebrants or ministers typically lead funeral services. You can choose someone you know to lead the funeral. Alternatively, we have a team of experienced and welcoming celebrants available. A celebrant’s fees simply reflect the time they spend getting to know the family, becoming familiar with the deceased, and preparing and conducting the service.
CASKET, COFFINS AND URNS.
We have a wide range of caskets, coffins and urns available, including traditional and contemporary styles. Some can even be painted with a personalised colour or design. You can visit the Caskets & Urns page to help with your selection, or ask for one of our illustrated catalogues.
REGISTERING THE DEATH.
When registering a death, there are some legal requirements that your funeral director will arrange. A fee is also payable to the government for issuing a death certificate. This certificate is necessary for applying for funeral grants and is sometimes required to settle estate legalities.
NEWSPAPER NOTICES.
Newspaper notices aren't compulsory but can be valuable. They formally announce a death, informing friends and the community of the funeral's time and place. Rosetown Funerals can assist with writing and publishing the notice. A notice will incur a fee from the publisher, which is charged based on a per-line basis.
SERVICE SHEETS.
Printed service sheets facilitate a smooth funeral and act as mementos. They typically feature a photograph, service details, and lyrics. Rosetown Funerals can organise these sheets for you in card or paper material.
CATERING.
It’s quite common to hold a gathering after a funeral service as it presents family and friends with the opportunity to come together. Funeral homes and churches typically offer reception areas that are perfect for such gatherings. We have a variety of catering options available, which your funeral director can advise on. If a church or chapel isn’t used for the service, we can also provide information on other suitable venues for a post-service gathering.
FLOWERS.
Floral tributes are commonly used as an expression of affection for the deceased. This can include things like a family bouquet, or petals to place on the casket. Rosetown Funerals will be able to supply you with more information and options from a local florist.
MUSIC.
Funerals often include musical tributes, such as CDs, DVDs, or organ music. Churches and funeral homes typically provide resident organists for a fee. Most funeral homes offer sound systems for playing music tributes.
LIVE STREAMING.
At Rosetown Funerals, we are able to arrange a live-stream video recording of the funeral service as a memento. Some families like to have this to send to others, such as family members who are unable to attend the funeral on the day.
REPATRIATION
Repatriation is the process of transporting a deceased person to their home country or location, either from overseas to New Zealand or vice versa. This process involves not only the typical funeral arrangements but also compliance with various regulations set by both the sending and receiving countries, as well as the airline. As these requirements can differ and take time, patience is important. For repatriation within New Zealand, the funeral director will manage the transfer of the body to another location. When transporting ashes, they can be carried on an aircraft with proper documentation, or sent via mail or courier through funeral directors, as NZ Post does not accept ashes from the public.
