Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what kind of service my loved one wanted?

If your loved one was older in years or suffering from a terminal illness they may have discussed their funeral wishes with you. However if your loved one was younger or their passing was sudden and unexpected, this may not have been the case. Your loved one may have left instructions in their will so this is normally the best place to start. If not, the Hope Funerals team can help you work through the various options so you can decide on the right way to honour your loved one.

Do I need to have a service in a church?

If your loved one’s faith was important to them, you may like to hold a service to remember them within their church community. However, if your loved one was not religious, it may be more appropriate to hold a service somewhere that was significant for them such as the rest home where they lived, a garden that they loved or a local community hall.

What financial assistance is available?

ACC Funeral Grant

If death is the result of an injury, ACC can help with the costs of burial or cremation and related ceremonies. This grant can be for New Zealanders and overseas visitors, and the funeral need not be in New Zealand. The grant can be used for memorial costs if no body is recovered.

Work and Income Funeral Grant

Work and Income New Zealand also have funeral grants available. This can cover some costs when a loved one has died.

Air New Zealand compassionate airfares

Air New Zealand offers compassionate airfares to immediate family needing to change existing bookings or those living out of town needing to travel to another centre for a funeral service. There is a reduction on full or higher priced fares but not on some lower priced fares below the compassionate airfare level. Normally you would apply for a refund after travelling, supplying the necessary documentation.

Do I need to have my loved one embalmed?

For some people, viewing their loved one after death is an important part of coming to terms with their loss. However, this is not the case for everyone. Embalming is not necessary if family and friends are not going to view the deceased person and the body is going to be cremated prior to a service being held (direct cremation).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct cremation?

Direct cremation is where your loved one is cremated soon after death and the ashes are returned to you. Direct cremation is more cost-effective as the deceased person’s body does not need to be stored or embalmed. Another advantage is that you do not have to rush to hold a funeral immediately after your loved one’s passing and can plan a fitting memorial for a later date. However, direct cremation is not suitable if family members are wanting to view their loved one’s body.

Do I have to have a funeral for my loved one straight away?

While it is usual to hold a funeral for your loved one within a week or two after their death, there may be reasons that you need more time. The disruption to international travel and limits on large gatherings brought about by Covid-19 have made it difficult for many families to proceed with a funeral soon after their loved one has passed away. In such circumstances it is possible to have a small burial service or proceed with cremation and then plan a larger memorial service when family members and friends are able to gather together.

Can I choose my own celebrant or priest for the funeral?

Hope Funerals is happy to work with your own minister, priest or celebrant or we can recommend a minister or celebrant if you would like us to do so.

Can I pre-plan my own funeral?

Pre-planning your own funeral is a great idea as it makes it very easy for those close to you to know exactly what you would like to happen when you are no longer around to tell them. The team at Hope Funerals will be pleased to give you advice on preparing your own individual funeral plan.