Research reveals profound benefit of a funeral on grieving
5 February 2025
Nearly 80% of New Zealanders say attending a funeral has a positive effect on the grief journey according to research released by Grief Centre and the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand.
75% of New Zealander’s had experienced the death of a friend or family member in the last two years according to the research, and over 70% had attended a funeral or tangihanga. Benefits were far-reaching ranging from saying a farewell, to celebrating a legacy, being together for support and beginning the grief journey.
Funeral Directors Association President Andrew Malcolm said the benefits reflected what funeral directors see on a daily basis.
“A funeral isn’t just saying goodbye – for our families we see that it’s about coming together. It’s the warmth of a hug, the comfort of sharing stories, the healing in tears, and the strength found in support. All these are the reasons we gather to say goodbye,” said Mr Malcom.
The research confirms significant cultural differences exist, with Māori, and Pacific Island people more likely to attend a funeral in person. The research also asked what people would think if their loved one said they didn’t want a funeral, and while most said they would respect their wishes, they also said they would organise their own farewell event.
“Having a more personalised event, either with or without the deceased present is becoming increasingly popular,” says Mr Malcolm.
“Sometimes families are put off by the word ‘funeral’ as they imagine something very stuffy or traditional. Funeral Directors Association members talk about meaningful farewells which might be anything from a traditional event to an intimate group at sunset somewhere special, or to a riotous party on the beach. But whatever it is, we say to people have it as soon as possible after the death so you don’t lose the moment and so you benefit from the reflection and support a farewell event offers.”
The research looked at some of the barriers to organising a funeral with cost, family dynamics/disagreements, location of people and the strain of organising while grieving all cited as key barriers.
Amongst those who’ve used a funeral director 80% agree they were helpful in guiding what needs to be done and also helpful in the early stages of grief. Only a quarter of customers felt the service provided by a funeral director wasn’t value for money.
Funeral directors from the Funeral Directors Association are meeting in Nelson next week to discuss how to continue to evolve their services so the essential benefits of a funeral or other type of farewell best supports people in grief.
Download results of the 'National Grief Survey 2024,' conducted by Marble Consulting and Dynata on behalf of the Funeral Directors Association and Grief Centre.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Gillian Boyes
CEO | Funeral Directors Association
M: +64 29 200 8985
E: gillian@funeraldirectors.co.nz