Category: In the News

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At 30, he leads NZ’s funeral directors - and he’s nothing like the stereotype

Meet Bradley Shaw, the 30-year-old breaking stereotypes as he steps into the role of President of the Funeral Directors Association

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What happens to people who die without any relatives to bury them?

When someone dies with no family or friends to claim them, who steps in — and what happens next? 

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Grief at Christmas: It’s OK to feel deep emotions

This thoughtful article explores why Christmas can intensify emotions and bring memories or sadness to the surface, and highlights that you’re not alone if the holiday season feels hard this year.

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Funeral home reunites families with unclaimed ashes, but over 800 still in storage

Did you know some funeral homes still have hundreds of unclaimed ashes dating back many decades?

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Meet the country's youngest ever NZ Funeral Association president

The average thirty-year-old doesn't spend their working hours thinking about death, but Bradley Shaw is not your average thirty-year-old.

He's just been made President of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand -- its youngest president ever.

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A dinosaur themed farewell for an 8 year old

Kāpiti Coast Funeral Home recently helped create a truly special farewell for eight-year-old Ryder. His dinosaur-themed funeral featured a Jurassic Park soundtrack, a dinosaur-covered casket, and even a heartfelt haka performed by a man in a T-Rex costume.

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What song do you want played at your farewell?

Music has a way of saying what words sometimes can’t. At funerals, a song or piece of music can capture the very essence of a life lived — celebrating personality, values, and memories.

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Funeral to be held for Anahera, baby discovered in recycling

Dignity & Community

Every life deserves to be honoured. Baby Anahera’s funeral reminds us that a funeral isn’t just for family — it’s a moment where a community can gather, acknowledge a life, and say goodbye with love and dignity.

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Caught out at the death

The financial strain of burying loved ones is becoming more evident, say two funeral directors from member firm Grinters Funeral Home.

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