Funeral Costs

We are always willing to explain cost options and provide an estimate of funeral expenses.  The cost of funerals can vary considerably. Please don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns regarding finance with our staff.

THE COST OF A FUNERAL

The total funeral account contains FIVE types of charges.

These are:

1 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FEE

This is a charge made by the funeral company for providing the facilities and 24-hour service to arrange and direct the funeral. It includes our attendance to receive instructions, procuring the necessary medical papers, preparing all documentation, registration of the death and paying all other charges on behalf of the family. There can be variations in this charge depending on the complexity of the funeral arrangements. 

2 TRANSPORTATION CHARGES

There are two types of charges - firstly transferring the deceased from the place of death to our premises, and possibly on to a family residence, and secondly a hearse hire charge for the funeral service. The costs range from $210 - $495, or more if transferring deceased to another city.

3 CASKETS

We have a selection of caskets available. Prices vary from $885 (suitable for cremation only) to in excess of $4,000, depending on the material the casket is made of and style. The most commonly used caskets are manufactured from woodgrain - finished customwood, and are available in both flat lid and raised lid styles. The prices range from $1,195 - $1,395. Ecologically friendly and personalised caskets are also available.

4 OTHER CHARGES

These are the costs paid by the company, on behalf of the family, to other organisations for goods and services involved in the funeral. They may include - cost of flowers, donations to celebrant/musician, cemetery or crematorium fees, bereavement notice in newspapers, death certificate, catering expenses etc.

The cost of disbursements can range from $800 - $2,500 or more. 

5 GST

Funeral accounts incur Goods and Services Tax. This can add $500 - $1,100 to the total account.

SUMMARY

The AVERAGE cost of a cremation funeral service is approximately $7,100, compared with approximately $8,700 for a burial funeral service. However these figures should be considered as a general guide only.

There are many ways of reducing the cost of a funeral (eg making floral tribute, doing your own catering, printing service sheets yourselves, etc). We are always happy to provide an estimate for funeral expenses.

ACCOUNTS

The funeral account is due for payment within 30 days of the funeral. Any account unpaid two months after the service may attract penalty interest.

An authority form is required to be signed by the person making arrangements. This person has ultimate responsibility for the debt.

If the family have concerns about payment of the account, they should discuss this with their funeral director at the earliest opportunity.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

WINZ

There is funeral grant available from Work and Income New Zealand to help with funeral costs. This grant is means tested, and the maximum payable is $1,925.34. An application form is available from your local WINZ office.
Click here for more information.

ACC

If the death was a result of an accident, you may be eligible for a funeral expenses grant from ACC, the maximum payable at present is $5,788.92. We can assist you with an application.
Click here for more information.