Funeral industry publishes cost guidance in wake of increasing council costs

18 July 2024

Increased council burial and cremation costs, in one case, 48% higher than last year has seen the funeral industry publish guidance to help families better understand the options available to help manage the expense of a funeral.

Funeral Directors Association Chief Executive, Gillian Boyes, says that in addition to increased council costs, her members are faced with growing labour costs, materials cost increases, as well as compliance costs such as health and safety requirements.

“All this ends up increasing the financial burden of a funeral to our families, so we want to support people with information about what typical costs may be and how to have a conversation about options,” says Ms Boyes.

Ms Boyes says families often come to her members concerned about how they will afford a funeral. They may not realise there is not a set price and that the funeral director will work with them to individualise a funeral for their needs.

“What we really want to avoid is people thinking they have to resort to what they often call a ‘box and burn’.

“We know spending time with a loved one, remembering them with special words and even physical gestures such as carrying the casket all help people in managing their grief. But there are lots of ways you can do this in a more affordable but still meaningful way.”

Ms Boyes says key tips for families working with a funeral director include:

• Explain your needs and requirements and let them know of any budget restrictions
• Ask to see an estimate of costs and get advice on alternatives that might be available for each element, for example a cheaper casket, or flowers from your garden
• If you are pre-planning a funeral, ask if there are options in your area such as pre-purchasing a burial or ash plot. This avoids future council price-rises.

She also notes that if ‘shopping around’ families should make sure they are comparing like with like.

“One of our member standards is providing a detailed estimate of costs and services so you can more accurately compare, but non-member firms may not offer this level of detail.”

The guide includes information about the financial support available and Ms Boyes says it is disappointing the support to society’s most vulnerable families through Work and Income Funeral Grants remains so low.

“The financial burden for those communities is only being exacerbated by council cost increases which this year seem to be particularly high in lower socio-economic communities such as Wairoa.”

The cost guidance can be found on the Association’s website here:  https://funeraldirectors.co.nz/planning-a-funeral/financial-matters/

The summary of the latest council burial and cremation cost increases is outlined in the table attached.

ENDS

Media Contact: