September 2024
The average cost of a basic funeral can range $10,000 - $15,000. A sizeable chunk ($5000 or thereabouts) of a funeral director’s billing is usually described simply as “Professional Services” and ascertaining a breakdown can be difficult.
A Christchurch based funeral director describes seven standard funeral scenarios on their website ranging from $7000 to almost $22,000.
The funeral industry is obviously a financially lucrative sector which explains why an Australian public company, InvoCare, owns and operates twenty six funeral homes spread throughout New Zealand.
A New Zealand lobby group, Death Without Debt asserts quite rightly that “The Funeral industry is extorting New Zealanders”. They intend making a submission to parliament’s Health Select Committee urging simplification of medical certification following death. Rejigit applauds the work of Death Without Debt.
DIY Funeral is an organisation which offers advice to those who wish to take care of someone's death without relying on a Funeral Director. https://diyfuneral.co.nz/
Another option in lieu of a traditional funeral is “Direct Cremation” and there are several operators throughout New Zealand which offer the procedure.
One such company is Christchurch based Mainland Crematorium. https://www.mainlandcrematorium.co.nz/
Direct Cremation - $2,200 incl. GST
Service includes:
..An eco-friendly cardboard coffin
..Transferring the deceased to the crematorium
..Use of the crematorium facility for committal or family gathering
..The cremation process
..An environmentally friendly urn
..Death certificate
