Open Day

Take a look behind the scenes at Elliotts Funeral Services

Most people would have attended a funeral at some stage in their lives, but not many know what really goes on day-to-day in a funeral home. On Saturday, June 10, all will be demystified as Elliotts Funeral Services on Cameron Road is hosting an all access Open Day.

Since 1967, thousands of local families have trusted Elliotts to care for their loved ones. The funeral home has a proud history of caring for local families and the community, and the team feels privileged to continue that tradition.

“This open day offers a unique opportunity for people to take a guided tour of the premises, meet the funeral directors, embalmers and admin team, and ask any questions they may have. Nothing is hidden, and we are totally transparent about our work and the service we provide,”

– Kylie Sprague, manager and one of the funeral directors/embalmers at Elliotts.

“We are all passionate about our work and believe it is a real privilege to be able to help families through such a difficult time. Arranging a positive and memorable final farewell for their loved one is an honour,” she says.

Despite the inevitability, dying is not a topic many people choose to talk about. However, being well prepared and having a good understanding of what to expect for themselves or for a loved one is important, regardless of how far in the future the service will take place. That’s why anyone who is interested in finding out about the services provided by Elliotts is welcome to visit on the day.

“Our team will be available to answer any questions you may have about funeral plans, pre-paid funerals, our bereavement support service, how the deceased are cared for, and any other aspect of arranging a funeral. We’d be more than happy to shine a light on what’s involved and explain what’s possible,” Sprague says.

She explains that the open day is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience how warm and respectful the environment at Elliotts Funeral Services is, and she hopes it will give people a better understanding of how they, or their loved ones, will be cared for after they have passed.

“We want people to know that it is not at all like in the movies!”

“When it comes to a person’s wishes, we believe almost anything is possible. Personalising services is our specialty, and no request is too small or too hard. People are embracing different ways of having a funeral now, and it’s often viewed as a celebration of a life well lived. The days of sitting in a cold church pew all dressed in black are gone.”

During the Open Day at Elliotts, visitors can view the range of caskets and urns, look inside the hearses and transfer vehicles, and funds will be raised on the day to support the Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust with a sausage sizzle and a raffle for a huge gift basket. Plus if we have 50 or more visitors during our Open Day we will guarantee a minimum $1000 donation so come along and support a great local charity. All areas of the premises will be open to the public, including the mortuary and the chapel.

Elliotts opened the state-of-the-art chapel, which adjoins the original premises on Ninth Avenue, in 2020. It seats over 180 people and has a function lounge as well as private viewing lounges. Sprague also mentions the quality of the high-tech audio-visual system and says there are fixed cameras in the chapel to allow for live streaming.

“The chapel is a wonderful place of reflection, and people can light a candle if they wish and take some time to remember those who are no longer with us,” she says.

Other service providers will also be available during the open day at Elliotts, including St John Alarms, Grief Care, Public Trust and also information on pre-paid funeral options, Flowers by Julia, and Olive Tree Catering. With the doors open from 11.00pm – 2.00pm, everyone is welcome to come, have a look around, and take in the unique atmosphere.