Do we need a casket?

Yes, legally it is required that you are to be in some form of a casket. The casket’s requirements must have a sturdy bottom, sides, and a fluid absorbent lining.

If you have decided not to use a funeral home, to transport the deceased into your care from a mortuary, it is required that you must have a casket or other suitable receptacle of a kind usually used by funeral directors.

For any further questions please contact us via phone on 07 855 1878 or email us at [email protected]

Do I have to have a funeral or service?

No, we tend to see that people don’t want a ‘fuss’ made about them. However, to a lot of families like to have some form of a goodbye as it is important to them and want friends and family to be able to share memories and have their own personal farewell with the deceased.

What should I say at a funeral?

Although it can be nerve-racking to speak at a funeral, it is a time to share the fondest of memories you have. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to our page about tributes and eulogies.

https://hamiltonfuneralhome.co.nz/service/before-the-funeral/

How long after a cremation will I get the ashes back?

The ashes take between 24-48 hours to be returned into our care. When the ashes are back in our care, we will contact the family member or friend who is to receive them.

How long does a service take?

The duration of a service can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. This all depends on many different things.

If there are any religious ceremonies, how many speakers, and the length of the speaker’s tribute or eulogy.

How do I take ashes overseas?

To take ashes overseas the requirements are that you have

1. Death certificate
2. Cremation certificate
3. Funeral directors’ certificate

Please keep in mind when you plan to travel with ashes you must carry all 3 certificates with you in your hand luggage and ready to show the check-in staff and to be declared to customs.

Ashes may be carried within checked in or hand luggage, if carried in hand luggage please use discretion regarding other passengers and should always remain in luggage. Ashes urn must be accounted for and included in the standard weight and size of airline luggage.

Discretion is required when advising security staff of urn contents. Documents are to be presented to staff. Security cameras will not be able to screen the inner case of the urn, which may result in further questioning.

Should children attend a funeral service?
Children, like adults, need to go through a grieving process. Like adults, children learn that death is a part of life. Depending on the age of the child it is well worthwhile for parents or caregivers to talk with the children about death before it occurs. This helps to minimise the shock when it happens. The choice of whether children should attend the funeral may depend on the age of the child and the relationship with the deceased. In general we advise that children should attend.

Who chooses between burial and cremation?
When the wishes of the deceased are known they are usually followed. If there is a will, the executor and/or the family will generally make that decision. Depending on which part of the country you live in, there may be considerable cost differences between burial and cremation. Your funeral director can advise you on the options.

Is embalming necessary?
Embalming ensures disinfection and preservation during the funeral period, and most funeral directors consider it necessary for this reason. Embalming ensures a more natural appearance and removes any potential health issues, which is particularly important if viewing of the deceased is to take place. There are different preparation options available now – your funeral director can discuss these with you.

Should I view the deceased?
Funeral Directors know from experience that many people, who are hesitant at first, later say how much they were helped in the grieving process by spending some time with the deceased prior to the funeral. For many people effective grieving and the subsequent readjustment cannot take place until it has been accepted that a loved one has died. In our experience viewing helps this acceptance, particularly if the death has been sudden or unexpected.

Is the casket or coffin always cremated?

Yes. During a cremation the casket is cremated too. Most crematorium in New Zealand are owned by the local municipal authority, and cremation procedures are set by law.

When is the death certificate available?

The details of death must, by law, be registered with the Registrar General in Lower Hutt within three days of the burial or cremation. The certificate is then forwarded to the Funeral Directors once completed, usually 5-10 days, where we then forward it on to the family.

Will we be given estimates of the funeral costs?

Yes, you can request a costing estimate at any time during the funeral arrangements or this will be emailed out and it is recommended that you always have an estimate when making decisions at this emotional time.

Why is a coroner involved?

Usually, the coroner is involved in a sudden or unexpected death, an accidental death, or if a doctor is unavailable or unable to establish the cause of death. When the coroner is called in, she/he must establish a cause of death, which may mean the examination of the body by a pathologist – called a post mortem or autopsy. After this, the coroner may decide to hold an inquest – a formal hearing in a court of law. This will be some months after the funeral. 

The Coroner may become involved when:

• a doctor is unavailable or unable to establish the cause of death
• there has been no recent consultation with a medical practitioner
• there is a sudden unexpected death
• death occurs from other than natural causes
• there is an accidental death