Choosing a funeral director
You don't have to use the first one you call. Here's how to compare and what to watch for.
There is no urgency here. The body can stay at the hospital, rest home, or at home while you decide. Nobody should be rushing you into a choice. If a funeral director pressures you, that tells you something.
Questions to ask
Call two or three funeral directors before you commit. Ask:
- Can you give me an itemised quote? Not a package price — a line-by-line breakdown. If they won't, move on.
- What's your price for a direct cremation? This is the simplest option and gives you a baseline to compare.
- What's included and what's extra? Transport, body preparation, use of the chapel, death registration — ask what you're actually getting.
- Do I have to use your caskets? You don't. You can supply your own. Some funeral directors charge a handling fee if you do.
- Is embalming included in the price? If so, ask what it costs without. Embalming is not legally required.
- Can you accommodate our cultural or religious needs? Tangihanga timing, Muslim burial within 24 hours, no embalming — be upfront so they can tell you honestly if they can help.
- What's your availability? Some smaller directors have limited after-hours availability.
- Can we view the body at home instead of the funeral home? This is your right. Some families prefer it.
What to compare
When you have quotes from two or three directors, compare these specifically:
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Professional fee | This is their core charge. Ranges from $2,000–$3,500. Ask what it covers. |
| Casket | The biggest variable. A cremation coffin can be $500; a mid-range casket $2,500–$5,000. Don't let anyone upsell you. |
| Transport | Some include one transfer, charge for extras. Ask about distance fees. |
| Venue | Their chapel may be free with their service, but a church or other venue won't be. |
| Disbursements | Fees they pay on your behalf — crematorium, cemetery, death certificates, newspaper notices. These should be at cost, not marked up. |
Red flags
- They won't give you an itemised quote. Package pricing hides what you're paying for.
- They pressure you to decide quickly. There is no reason for this.
- They push embalming as necessary. It isn't. It's a choice.
- They imply a more expensive casket shows more love. It doesn't.
- They discourage you from comparing quotes. A good funeral director will respect that you're being careful with money during a difficult time.
- They're vague about what "their fee" covers. You should know exactly what you're buying.
You don't need a funeral director at all
It's fully legal in NZ to arrange everything yourself. See family-led funerals — it can cost a few hundred dollars instead of thousands.
Low-cost options
If cost is a concern, consider direct cremation providers — they handle the cremation without a funeral service, starting from around $2,000. You can hold a memorial separately, on your own terms, whenever you're ready.
See what funerals actually cost for a full breakdown by type and region.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional.
Dollar figures and entitlements change periodically. We link to authoritative sources where possible. Last reviewed: April 2026.