Burial Services
Our Burial Services
The burial process includes decisions about the care of the body prior to interment. The type of burial you opt for will also dictate, to some degree, the coffin or casket you choose and the timeframe between the passing and the service.
Traditional Burials
A more traditional approach will look different for every family, and there are many different cultural approaches to burial. This type of burial might include a viewing of the body at a funeral home or other location and there may also be a formal service at a chapel, church or another nominated venue.
For Maori, the tradition of the Tangihanga is a significant process, which would likely include the body being moved to the appropriate Marae or another location – quite often the home. The body will usually lie for three days, and family, friends, colleagues and anyone else who wants to can come and express memories, love and grief and commune with the departed. On the third day, the casket or coffin is closed. Many families choose to then have a church service or other type of ceremony before the burial.
Whatever a traditional burial looks like for you, we are to help. Please reach out to our compassionate team to discuss your individual requirements.
Natural Burials
Natural burials can take place at any grave site. They are characterised by the lack of chemicals used in the embalming process and by choosing casket materials for the burial that will return nutrients to the soil. We can assist you with a natural burial at cemeteries in Auckland and in the greater Auckland area, including rural cemeteries.
If you want to bury naturally and plant a tree to mark the interment, you can do this at the Natural Burial Reserve at Waikumete Cemetery, in an area of regenerating native forest.
Points to Consider
- All caskets, coffins and shrouds should be made of unprocessed materials.
- Embalming should be done utilising using essential oils, ice for preservation, chemical skin cream for moisturising, and the minimal use of makeup.
- Plot markers should be untreated wood – these are temporary and you will receive the coordinates of the plot so you can visit once the plot marker has returned back to the soil.
Burial Costs
Each individual will have specific requirements, so costs will vary. Natural burials start at around $3,300. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements, and we will put together a personalised estimated cost.
We use ecologically sound embalming practices and we offer a comprehensive range of coffins and caskets that align with the values for natural burial services that will suit a range of budgets.