What does an average funeral cost?

Funeral costs vary according to the choices made by the family. For example, burial vs cremation, the choice of casket, the number of newspaper notices, catering etc. Morris & Morris can assist all families in creating a farewell that is unique to their wishes and budget. Please feel free to call and ask for a written estimate of costs.

Is there a special casket for cremation?

No. We have a range of sustainable solid timber caskets to choose from and all caskets purchased from Morris & Morris are suitable for either a cremation or burial. Our sustainable timber caskets produce 16.9kg less CO2 than MDF caskets and are therefore better for our environment.

Do we have to have a casket for cremation?

The cremation process is strictly governed by regulation. A designed sealed container is necessary for ease of handling and health & safety reasons and the size and construction have to be taken into consideration as there are limitations. If you have any questions, please call us for more detailed information.

Will items that we place in the casket be cremated?

Yes, within reason. The entire casket is cremated upon delivery by the funeral director/family (including handles and ornamentation). Prohibited items will be removed before the cremation for health & safety reasons. For example, aerosol cans, glass and aluminium will be removed before the cremation. The cremator is cleared of all ashes after each process and labelled according to the requirements of the cremation regulations. All the ashes will be returned to the family.

Are there any rules about disposing of ashes?

There are no guidelines for the disposal of ashes although discretion is recommended. Some councils have by-laws governing the disposal of ashes. Talk to your funeral director about the many options available to you.

Do we have to have the funeral on the third day?

There are no legal requirements regarding the time between death and the funeral as funeral services have become more complex. Some families find having more time to make arrangements between death and the funeral is beneficial and can allow travelling time for others to attend.

Can we take our loved one home?

Yes. Once embalmed your loved one can go home until required for the funeral service. Alternatively, we provide private viewing rooms at our premises.

Do we have to have embalming?

This procedure has three main purposes, sanitary care, preservation and presentation. The natural circulatory system is used and this treatment is performed by trained staff in a clinical environment. The appearance of the deceased at the time of death may not be a memory the family wish to remember. Embalming can in many cases help present a loved one with a more peaceful and natural appearance. Should a family not wish this procedure to be used, a disclaimer will be required in certain circumstances.

Can we fill in the grave?

If you would like to do this, please let your funeral director know before the burial so that appropriate tools can be available for your use. Some local authorities don’t allow back filling of graves by family members for health and safety reasons.

Are we permitted alcohol in the Morris & Morris lounge?

It is the ‘Company Policy’ that alcohol is not permitted in the Morris & Morris lounge as we do not hold the appropriate licence.

What happens to any jewellery?

Your funeral director will have received instructions from the family at the time of the arrangement. If you asked that the items be held for collection, these will be locked in a safe and can be collected upon receipt of your signature. Please give serious consideration before giving instructions to have jewellery cremated.

How long does it take for the death certificate to arrive?

The certificate is issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Wellington. It can be expected within 10 working days from the day of the funeral and will be forwarded to the next of kin from our office.

Where can we get financial assistance?

There are three main areas which can be used for assistance. Each will have requirements that must be met. They are the Accident Compensation Commission, Work and Income New Zealand and the War Veterans Department of Internal Affairs. Your funeral director can advise you as to which will be most suitable for you.

Where can I get help after the funeral?

There are a variety of support services available. We suggest that you contact your doctor or your funeral director who will guide you. Morris & Morris also has a counselling service available.

Why are the police sometimes involved?

In instances of a death by accident, an unexpected death, or if the doctor is unavailable or declines to complete the required certification, the police are called as representatives of the Coroner. They are required to take custody of the deceased and complete an enquiry. Talk to your funeral director for further information.

What are the options for service sheets at the funeral?

We have a talented design team at Morris & Morris able to take your ideas and turn them into a professionally presented service sheet or order of service. Photos can be scanned along with other documents to be included in the service sheet. Our team can advise you of the options and show you examples for you to make your decisions. They will produce a full specification draft of your design for your approval before printing.

What are the options for people viewing the service who may not be able to make it to the funeral?

Our two chapels have fully automated webcasting systems that record and stream live. Through a simple email invitation, family and friends can access the service. With 90 days of access to the archived service, and an option to download, a One Room webcast provides an opportunity for a private farewell at any time and any place. With a single click, viewing a One Room service is simple.

Why are funerals important?

Funerals enable us all to acknowledge death and start to come to terms with the altered reality of life without our loved ones. They create a space for that reality and enable us to start to recall our loved ones’ lives, while supportive family and friends surround us. A funeral allows us a place and time to express our feelings in a safe environment and provides an opportunity for us to understand a life well lived and to give that life meaning.