Our Services
Funeral Assistance
At Morris & Morris Funerals it is important to us that we meet the needs of our client families. Part of this involves ensuring that the costs associated with the funeral fall within the budget of the family. It is therefore important that your Funeral Director is informed of particular family requirements from the outset.
If you would like to request an estimate of funeral costs to assist you in pre-planning please contact us and we will forward this to you. Any information provided on your requirements is helpful. You may like to contact us to discuss your specific wishes and let us provide you with an estimate of the costs.
The Funeral Account
Our Funeral Director will give you a full estimate at the time of the funeral arrangement. The funeral account is sent to the family within two weeks from the date of death and is due for payment within 6 weeks of invoice. The company’s policy on credit facilities are outlined to the family on our company ‘Authority Form’, which is signed by the person giving instructions at the time of the funeral arrangement.
Financial Assistance
Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) have a funeral grant that may be available to those who cannot pay the full cost of a funeral. The grant is asset tested and payable, at present, to a maximum of $1925.34*. Our Funeral Director will assist you on how to apply for this grant.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has a funeral grant of $5788.92* for deaths occurring as a result of an accident or medical misadventure.
You cannot claim a funeral grant from both WINZ and ACC.
Medical insurance companies also have a range of death covers. Check with your insurance company to find our whether this in included in your policy.
*please note, amounts subject to change
Compassionate Airfares
Air New Zealand and most other airlines have a ‘compassionate airfares’ scheme. Under this programme the airline may rebate a portion of the already paid airfare of a close relative (e.g. husband, wife, siblings) who attended a funeral.
Cost Estimate
Once we know your plans and choices for the funeral we will provide a cost estimate for approval. The estimate will show the specific services provided by Morris & Morris and those provided by others but organised for you by us. The following lists are examples of internal and external costs.
Morris & Morris Services:
- Meeting with family, providing advice
- Liaising with medical professionals
- Embalming and dressing deceased
- Preparing casket
- Organising funeral and service
- Arranging various external providers
- Providing hearse and transfers
- Supplying service sheets
- Audio recording of service
- Memorial book
- Chapel hire
- Lounge hire
- Casket
External Providers' Services:
- Local government for plot purchase or cremation fees
- Medical professionals' fees
- Death certificate
- Newspaper notices
- Flowers for casket
- DVD presentation equipment
- Video recording of service
- Celebrant or clergy fees
- Church or other venue hire
- Catering
- Organist or other musician/s
Following the funeral Morris & Morris will pay external service providers according to standard commercial terms. This means we will incur a significant outlay on your behalf. We therefore appreciate prompt payment of the account.
