Whakatane local becomes youngest ever Funeral Directors Association President
Whakatane local, 30-year-old Bradley Shaw, has become the youngest ever President of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand. Mr Shaw, who began in the funeral profession when he was 16 year… Read more
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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Funerals serve the living, so ‘no fuss’ doesn’t help
“I don't want any fuss when I go,” Ewan told his daughter firmly. “Just get rid of me quietly and move on with your lives.” He meant it kindly—a practical man trying to spare his family expense and bother. But when he died six months later, his daughter was distraught. “We've done exactly what Dad wanted,” she said, “but it doesn't feel like enough. We need something to mark his life, to say goodbye properly. Does that make us selfish?”
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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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