FAQs collection

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.

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 regularly support intimate family gatherings, private cremations with a later memorial, or home-based vigils with guidance on care, timing and cultural practices

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. We manage international repatriation, coordinating documentation, care, travel requirements (including any embalming/airline rules), and local ceremonies at either end.

Yes. Options include no or alternative embalming, sustainable caskets, advice on eco burial sites, and biodegradable/water-soluble urns — all arranged through Davis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.