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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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Themed funerals - celebrating unique lives

When I talk to families about funeral arrangements, I often hear the same concern: "We want something that truly reflects who they were, but we're not sure what's appropriate." It's a conversation I have regularly, and I understand why families feel uncertain about moving beyond traditional services.

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Let’s make death a local body election issue

In the lead up to the upcoming local body elections, the Funeral Directors Association calls for Councils to be held to account for annual increases in their burial and cremation fees, which are a significant driver of costs for even the most basic funerals and compound the affordability challenges for those who rely on the Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) Funeral Grant.

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