As the country has lived through the grip of the current recession, a key focus for all New Zealanders has been every increasing cost of living. Whether it is petrol and other utility costs, or just the daily cost of life, everything seems to be more expensive. This has also given rise for some commentary around the cost of funerals, and for some, to even question whether a funeral is even necessary in 2025.
Here at Davis, we firmly believe that a meaningful farewell is an essential step in recognising the end of a loved one’s physical life, and to assist that transition to the emotional abyss of life without that person. A funeral helps those close to the deceased to make sense of the grief they are, and will undoubtedly suffer, says Michael Powell General Manager, Davis Funerals.
Whilst there is an inherent cost associated with a funeral or farewell, it is a one time cost, it often accords the wishes of the deceased, but most importantly provides a vital opportunity for family, friends, community connections to give thanks for the life of the the person who has died, to reflect on the impact that the deceased has had on their lives and most importantly to come together, to share stories, comfort and console each other. At Davis, we have had opportunity to witness the impacts of the inevitable complicated grief state that the absence of a farewell creates from family members who have attended our annual remembrance service we hold every December, says Powell. These people have told us that they have lived with the emotional discomfort of missing out on that final goodbye, and how they had wished they had done something at the time of their loved one’s death.
In terms of relative costs, a funeral is considerably cheaper than other life event ceremonies such as weddings, and provides a onetime only opportunity to honour the life of somebody and say goodbye that final time.
