Two phone calls are all it takes, one to the deceased’s usual Doctor or Hospice if they are under their care. If the death however is sudden or unexpected, then the Police must be phoned in the first instance as the death may be placed under the jurisdiction of the coroner. The second call is to us any time, day or night. We’ll guide the next steps, arrange transfer of the deceased to our premises from the place of death. We will further set up an appointment to meet us at the Davis branch nearest you (Central/Mt Eden, West/Henderson, East/Pakuranga, Eastern Bays/Kohimarama or South/Papatoetoe) or of course we can come to you.
Fees vary with choices (venue, casket, burial vs cremation, flowers, AV, catering). Davis provides a detailed written estimate up-front which outlines all likely costs; our professional service fee typically ranges from $3,215–$4,945, depending on what you need.
Burial includes a cemetery plot/interment and ground services on the day to open and close the grave; cremation requires making application to a MOH appointed Medical Referee for a permission for the cremation to proceed; following which ashes are returned to the family. We’ll outline timeframes, venues and costs for each, including eco-friendly options and urn choices. We can assist with ash burial and scattering requirements at no additional cost.
Yes. We regularly arrange services in churches, chapels, community spaces, family homes, and other venues across Auckland. We coordinate everything including celebrants/clergy, AV, livestreaming/recording, flowers, logistics, audio visual requirements, catering, service sheets and other requirements.
Yes. Our Mt Eden, Henderson and Pakuranga chapels support webcasting; we can also bring a professional streaming/recording company to other venues so people can attend online or watch later. Regardless of the venue, we provide permanent access to the live stream from a personalised Obituary site that we provide free of charge on our website.
Many families choose 3–7 days after death, but timing depends on paperwork, venue availability and family travel. We’ll work to your preferred date and manage all logistics.
A Doctor/Coroner provides the cause-of-death documentation. The death is registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) using the BDM-28 form; funeral directors typically lodge this on your behalf. A death certificate can then be ordered.
No. Embalming is not required by New Zealand law. Whilst embalming is recommended for sanitation, presentation and preservation purposes, in practical terms, this means it’s often chosen to provide families time to make decisions, to improve and enhance viewing, as well as enable longer timeframes for delays or repatriation requirements; we’ll discuss options including minimal/eco approaches and temperature controlled care.
Absolutely. Children also experience grief. In addition to attending a viewing or funeral service, children may place a flower, read a short poem, share a memory, help with the photo tribute as just a few suggestions. We’ll help you include them gently and appropriately.
Yes. Options include no or alternative embalming, sustainable caskets, advice on eco burial sites, and biodegradable/water-soluble urns — all arranged through Davis.
Yes. We manage international repatriation, coordinating documentation, care, travel requirements (including any embalming/airline rules), and local ceremonies at either end.
Ashes are returned to the family in your chosen urn. You may keep them, inter in a memorial space, or scatter at a meaningful location (with appropriate permissions). We’ll guide options and etiquette.
You may be eligible for a Work and Income Funeral Grant (income/asset-tested; for essential costs), and where death is due to an accident, ACC provides a funeral grant up to a capped amount, currently $7,990.30 that is adjusted annually. We can advise and assist you with the application process.
We’ll show you traditional, contemporary and eco casket lines and matching urns, explain materials and finishes, and help you choose something fitting for the service, budget and personal style.
Yes. From photo/video tributes and music to memorial books and themed touches, our team helps create a service that truly reflects your loved one’s life. Recording can also keep stories for future generations.
Choose the branch most convenient for you: Central Auckland (Mt Eden), West (Henderson), Eastern Bays (Kohimarama), East (Pakuranga/Howick), or South (Papatoetoe). We’ll coordinate everything from there. We are of course always available to come to you.
Yes. We regularly support intimate family gatherings, private cremations with a later memorial, or home-based vigils with guidance on care, timing and cultural practices
After the death is registered, you (or we, on your behalf) can order a NZ Death Certificate from BDM. Typical turnaround is several working days after BDM receives the notification; allow extra time for courier/overseas delivery.
Yes, we work closely with families, clergy/celebrants and communities across Auckland, respecting and observing protocols, timing, venue and technology (webcast/recording) to meet cultural and whānau needs.
Helping navigate
tough moments
Anne-Marie-Wynne
“Irene, words are not enough to express our heartfelt gratitude. I don’t know how I could have got through this without Davis’ love, care and expertise. The day was perfect.”
Alison Morgan
West Auckland“I just wanted to say again how much I appreciated your care of Bob and the family at the funeral on Friday. Martin, your care and the way you dealt with us was appreciated.”
Paul Holmes
Mt Eden“At times of grief it’s reassuring to have a great company looking after you, and we really appreciate Davis and in particular your invaluable help Shane – thanks!”
Ange Foote
“Thanks again Dani for your wonderful support, understanding and efficiency in making it a special send off for dad.”
Lynne Robertson
“Thank you to everyone at Davis Funerals. Wayne’s service was amazing, we had 300 people in the Panmure Yacht Club. So many people commented on the ashes in the scatter tubes and the service sheets.”
Liz Fong
“Thank you for the amazing people you have working at Davis Funeral parlour. I’m so grateful for everything that was done for Keith. I would recommend Davis Funeral parlour to all my Whanau and friends.”
Melanie Harvey
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you again for making Betty’s funeral so kind, warm and special. You made what is a sad occasion better in every possible way. I cannot thank you enough.”
Christine Hazleman
“As family of the deceased we only get one chance to do things right and the importance of trust in the funeral director to guide us in the right direction is paramount. Our grateful thanks to Shane.”