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Pre-Planning Your Funeral
Although we don’t like to think about it, the day eventually comes when we all need funeral services. Because Morris & Morris believes you should have the funeral that’s right for you , we recommend pre-planning as the best way to achieve this.
Many people feel comfortable leaving the responsibility of arranging their funerals to family or friends. Others however prefer to be a little more proactive by leaving a plan, instructions, and even perhaps paying for their funeral ahead of time.
Our experience shows us that pre-planned and personalised funerals brings great comfort to families, reassured with the knowledge that they are fulfilling their loved one’s wishes.
At Morris & Morris, we feel it is important that your personal wishes are carried out, so we record this information to ensure that your preferences are clear. Some personal choices you may like to consider are:
- The type and style of funeral you prefer
- Whether you wish to be buried or cremated
- Your choice of flowers, music and readings
- Funeral venue and catering
- Placing of notices in the newspaper
- Any other special features you would like included in the service
Pre-Paying Towards Your Funeral
For many people, pre-planning and paying towards a funeral may go hand in hand. The option of prepaying provides peace of mind that money is set aside for the funeral and that this financial responsibility will not fall onto someone else.
Payments of up to $10,000 with the Funeral Trust are currently excluded from asset testing (under government legislation) when assessing eligibility for a subsidy for long term residential care for the elderly.
Morris & Morris complies fully with the bylaws of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand and their Funeral Trust, who hold the funds until they are needed.
FDANZ Funeral Trust
A Funeral Trust plan allows you to set money aside, in trust, for your final farewell or for that of a loved one. Paying towards a funeral means when the time comes loved ones can gather together, support one another, and remember and celebrate a life, without having to worry, at a very emotional time. The FDANZ Funeral Trust is not an insurance policy. No health checks or personal questions are needed. Anyone can pre-arrange and pay towards a funeral with an FDANZ Funeral Director through the FDANZ Funeral Trust.
It’s All Your Choice
We believe that the funeral should be tailored around your desires and needs. Here is some information that may help you pre-plan the funeral service that’s right for you.
Burial or Cremation
It’s a personal choice. A burial will involve purchasing a plot in an officially designated cemetery and a fee for preparing the grave. Cremation offers further options for a final resting place, as ashes can be scattered, buried, kept, or divided amongst family members.
Venues
Your local church or one of our chapels, a sport’s club, an outdoor location, your family home, a cemetery or crematorium chapel – we encourage you to talk to us about your venue ideas.
Caskets and Urns
We offer a wide range of traditional and contemporary caskets and urns, including sustainable and personalised options. A catalogue is available from our office, online or visit our selection room at 199 Kamo Road.
Minister or Celebrant
Clergy or celebrants often lead funeral services, depending on the individual’s wishes. Morris & Morris is able to provide a suitable celebrant for you if required.
Flowers
Flowers are wonderful expressions of affection and sympathy. We can help coordinate your floral requirements or you may choose your own florist if preferred.
Other Things to Consider
Your favourite music or reading, a unique service sheet, a personalised photo tribute and memorial book, even live streaming the service for family abroad – we can arrange the funeral service that meets your needs.
