Funeral choices

Spending time with your loved one before their funeral is a chance to say goodbye and to accept their death. We can arrange for you to care for your loved one at home in the days before the funeral. We also offer private, viewing rooms for you and your family to spend time with your loved one.

One of the first questions we’ll ask you is whether your loved one is to be buried or cremated. We ask this because there is special paperwork for a cremation. If your loved one made their wishes known, this decision is easy. If not, your family can choose.

In New Zealand, there are the following options:

1. Burial. Cemeteries can be peaceful places to remember your loved one. Burial costs include purchasing a plot and interment. Many families also like to install a plaque or headstone.
2. Cremation. Ashes can be buried in a cemetery or memorial garden or scattered somewhere meaningful. Families sometimes like to install a memorial or plaque. We’ll collect your loved one’s ashes from the crematorium, usually within 48 hours and we have a range of attractive urns for you to choose from.
3. Burial at sea. Sailors may wish to be buried at sea. There are special areas off the New Zealand coastline for sea burial. We can assist with all arrangements and provide the special casket required.
4. Donation. If your loved one registered for organ donation or wished to leave their body to medical science, we can help you explore these options.

Whatever your choice, our team can take care of all arrangements for you.

There are a range of funeral venues in Tauranga, Mount Manganui and Katikati. Our new Chapel on Cameron seats 160 in elegant contemporary comfort. We’ve also arranged funerals on the beach, on rugby fields, in golf clubs, and in private homes. Talk to us about your needs and your loved one’s life, and we’ll explore your funeral venue options with you.

You may wish to place newspaper notices to let the community know of your loved one’s funeral. This allows friends and colleagues to pay their respects. We can help you prepare and place newspaper notices in local, national, and international publications.

A funeral celebrant delivers the funeral service. You can choose a priest, a minister, a professional celebrant, or a member of your family for this role. We can help you choose a celebrant, and work with them to arrange the service.

A eulogy is a chance to share stories and memories, to talk about your loved one, and celebrate their life. It doesn’t have to be serious, some of the most moving eulogies are often full of funny stories.

When considering the eulogy, other family members may wish to include a few words. The eulogy can also inspire others to share their precious memories of your loved one with you.

Some of the things people talk about in eulogies include:

• Birthplace and early childhood.
• Educational and sporting achievements.
• Career.
• Marriage and family life.
• Hobbies, club memberships, charity involvement.
• Preferences in music, literature, theatre.
• Personal qualities and characteristic sayings.

Stories from your loved one’s life.

Pallbearers help carry your loved one’s casket into the funeral venue and from the funeral venue to the hearse or place of burial.

You can invite family and close friends to be pallbearers. You will need six pallbearers. Your funeral director will meet them at the service and give guidance and gentle instructions.

Anyone can be a pallbearer, so long as they can lift a heavy weight and walk over uneven ground. In New Zealand, coffins are usually carried at waist height rather than on the shoulders.

Being a pallbearer can also be an emotional load, so check that your pallbearers won’t find the experience too distressing.

If you don’t wish to have pallbearers simply let us know, and we will arrange for your loved one’s body to be transported from the funeral.

Service sheets explain the order of the service and include words for hymns or waiata. They’re also a chance to share stories and memories from your loved one’s life. People often keep service sheets as mementos.

Our service sheets are designed by our talented graphic design team. They specialise in personalising service sheets to reflect your loved one’s life and interests. View some sample Service Sheets here.

Memorial books capture thoughts and messages from those who attend the funeral. We can encourage your guests at the funeral to write in the book.

We work with local florists to create beautiful flowers, wreaths, and arrangements for the casket.

People often like to send flowers to a funeral. You may wish to request charitable donations instead of flowers. Please let us know if this is your preference.

Celebrate your loved one’s life by playing their favourite music. From classical to country, there are no rules.

• If hymns or other religious music are appropriate, we can arrange an organist as an accompaniment.
• A piper or bugler can be arranged for members of the forces or families with Scottish connections.
• Live music creates a unique moment, from solo musicians to performances from your loved one’s favourite band.

Music can also provide space for reflection after the eulogy. This can be paired with a slideshow of images of your loved one.

We offer live streaming via OneRoom at our Chapel on Cameron location. This is a secure and private link that is sent to family and friends prior to the service. This can also be arranged at our other locations depending on network coverage.

Sharing pictures and video at the funeral can tell the story of your loved one’s life and bring back precious memories. We can help you prepare a presentation that combines photos and video with music.

Mementos, like a prized trophy or a beloved hobby can be beautiful symbols. Making mementos for the service can also be a comforting and meaningful thing to do. From a group of friends tying elaborate knots for a keen sailor, to families arranging blooms from their loved one’s garden, mementos bring warmth and personalise a funeral.

Offering refreshments to your guests after the funeral is a chance to connect and share memories of your loved one. We offer a range of sandwiches, savouries, platters, and sweet treats, or a high tea served on vintage china.

Download our Catering menu here.

Air New Zealand and JetStar can offer compassionate airfares to immediate family travelling to attend a funeral service. Contact Air New Zealand for more information or ask your funeral director.

Elliotts have two white Jaguar hearse available. View photos in the carousel near the top of this page.

Planning a loved one’s funeral is never easy. This funeral checklist will make sure every detail’s covered. Call us on (07) 578 3338 for help and advice.