Prepayment, Funeral Grants & Assistance
We can talk you through funding options and the support that may be available
in New Zealand. We keep things clear and practical.
Prepayment towards your funeral
Some families set money aside in advance for funeral costs. We can explain how prepayment works, what can be covered, and what to consider when comparing options.
Prepaying towards your funeral can ease the burden on family and help protect your pension. Up to $10,000 in prepaid funerals is excluded from asset testing for residential care subsidies.
We’ll meet with you to record your wishes and provide an estimate of costs, so you can decide how much to prepay. Please note that funeral estimates are not fixed and are subject to inflation. Funds are safely held in The Funeral Trust, administered by the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand.
You can update your plans anytime, and if you move towns, we’ll ensure your instructions and prepayment transfer with you.
Financial support & grants
We understand funerals can be an unexpected cost. We’ll explain payment options clearly and guide you towards support that may be available in New Zealand, including:
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Work and Income funeral grant (means-tested). Check WINZ Funeral Grants.
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Veterans’ Affairs funeral support (for eligible veterans). View more info here.
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Compassionate airfares (some airlines offer reduced fares for immediate travel). Check out Air New Zealand's compassionate airfares page.
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ACC (they may be able to give you financial support if someone has died from an injury. ACC may help with memorial costs, one-off payments and loss of income).
We also offer prepayment plans if you’d like to prepare in advance.
Prefer to discuss in person?
We’re here with professionalism, care, and over 140 years of experience helping Christchurch and Cantabrian families when they need it most.
Preparing for death
It can feel confronting to plan for death, but taking small steps early can make things much easier for you and your family. Preparing gives peace of mind and ensures your wishes are known.
Things to consider:
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Make or update your will — ensure your estate and belongings are handled as you wish.
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Appoint an enduring power of attorney — someone you trust to make decisions if you cannot.
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Record your funeral preferences — see our Plan Ahead page to complete a wishes form or book a meeting.
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Talk with your family — open conversations bring clarity and confidence.
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Gather important documents — keep birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, and bank details together.
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Consider financial preparation — learn more about Prepayment, Grants & Assistance.
These steps help reduce stress later and give your family clear guidance when the time comes.
Record your funeral wishes
Give your family less decisions when the time comes, make your wishes know in advance.