Category: In the News

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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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A celebration of life

Tracey Brown And Carl Dooley funeral directors at Hibiscus Funeral Services talk about how planning farewells to our loved ones is changing.

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Funeral director discusses rising costs

Funeral director Wade Downey discusses the high cost of funerals and challenges facing the industry.

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Dying proves to be a costly undertaking

Funeral Directors Association chief executive Gillian Boyes said councils’ annual increases in burial and cremation fees were a significant driver of funeral costs.

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Even basic funerals are becoming 'unaffordable'

Funeral Directors Association CEO Gillian Boyes talks to Herald NOW's Ryan Bridge about the high cost of funerals

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Covid-19 Inquiry: Families and businesses detail crippling losses, lost schooling and farewelling dying family

New Zealanders have spoken of the impact of the Covid-19 response on their lives and businesses, including crippling financial losses, children falling behind in schooling and struggles to farewell dying loved ones.

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