Funeral Costs

A Funeral Service is both labour and capital intensive and subject to high overhead expenses. This page details the various components that make up the total funeral account and offers some average prices.

We are always willing to explain cost options and provide an estimate of funeral costs for specific arrangements.

Please don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns regarding finance with our staff.

THE COST OF A FUNERAL

The cost of funerals can vary considerably. The total funeral account contains FIVE types of charges.

These are:

1 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FEE

This is a charge made by the funeral company for providing the facilities and 24-hour service to arrange and direct the funeral. The professional service fee covers: personal attendance to receive instructions, arranging and directing the funeral, procuring the necessary medical papers, preparing all documentation, registration of the death and paying all other charges on behalf of the family. There can be variations in this charge depending on the complexity of the funeral arrangements. However the cost usually falls in the range of $2,795 - $2,995.

2 TRANSPORTATION CHARGES

There are two types of charges - firstly transferring of the deceased from the place of death to our premises, and possibly on to a family residence, and secondly a hearse hire charge for the funeral service. The costs range from $210 - $495, or more if transferring deceased to another city.

3 CASKETS

We have a selection of caskets available. Prices vary from $885 (suitable for cremation only) to in excess of $4,000, depending on the material the casket is made of and style. The most commonly used caskets are manufactured from woodgrain - finished customwood, and are available in both flat lid and raised lid styles. The prices range from $1,195 - $1,395.

4 OTHER CHARGES

These are the costs paid by the company, on behalf of the family, to other organisations for goods and services involved in the funeral. They may include - cost of flowers, donations to celebrant and organist, cemetery or cremation fees, cost of bereavement notice in newspapers, death certificate, catering expenses, and any other costs incurred at the family’s request. The total cost of these charges has the greatest effect on the total funeral price. The choice of cremation or burial can significantly affect the total cost of these charges too. For example the cemetery fees for a new plot and interment at Pyes Pa Cemetery are $1,925 compared with around $590 for crematorium fees and doctor’s documentation for a cremation.

The cost of disbursements can range from $800 - $2,500 or more. We are always happy to advise on current disbursement costs.

5 GST

Funeral accounts incur Goods and Services Tax. This can add $500 - $1,100 to the total account.

SUMMARY

The AVERAGE cost of a cremation funeral service is approximately $7,100, compared with approximately $8,700 for a burial funeral service. However these figures should be considered as a general guide only.

There are many ways of reducing the cost of a funeral (eg making floral tribute, doing your own catering, printing service sheets yourselves, etc). Our funeral directors are always happy to discuss costs with families, and where we are aware of the specific details of a funeral required, are able to provide an accurate estimate of the costs involved.

ACCOUNTS

The funeral account is rendered 10 days after the funeral, and is due for payment within the following 30 days. Any account unpaid two months after the service may attract penalty interest.

An authority form is required to be signed by the person making arrangements. This person has ultimate responsibility for the debt.

If the family have concerns about payment of the account, they should discuss this with their funeral director at the earliest opportunity.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

WINZ

There is funeral grant available from Work and Income New Zealand to help with funeral costs. This grant is means tested, and the maximum payable is $1,855.75. An application form is available from your local WINZ office or from Jones and Company.
Click here for more information.

ACC

If the death was a result of an accident, you may be eligible for funeral expenses to be paid by ACC, the maximum payable at present is $5,429.92. We can assist you with an application.
Click here for more information.