Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do when someone dies?

Firstly, call next of kin and family. You will need the support of all your family at this time.

Secondly, contact your family doctor or attending doctor to advise of the death.

The doctor is responsible for issuing the necessary documents before a burial or cremation can take place. The doctor has to see your loved one after death to be able to complete the documents for a cremation to take place. He may come to your home, if your loved one has died at home, or he may ask you to contact the funeral director and he will go to the funeral home to complete the paperwork. If the death occurred in a hospital or nursing home the on duty staff member will contact the doctor.

Thirdly, contact H. Morris Funeral Services.

It does not matter if it is during the night, or on a weekend, our staff are here for you. You don’t have to go through the hassle of talking to an answering service, one of our funeral directors will answer the call at whatever time of day or night. They will answer any questions that you have and then they will arrange a time to come if the death has occurred at home and transfer your loved one into our care at Romaleigh Funeral Home. They will then arrange a time and place to meet with you to make the funeral arrangements.

Will the funeral Director come right away?

If you request immediate assistance, yes. If you wish to spend a short time with your loved-one, this is also acceptable. The Funeral Director is there for you and they will come when you are ready.

If a loved one dies overseas or out of town, can we still help?

Yes, we can assist you with both overseas and out of town arrangements. We can also transfer your loved-one to another destination within New Zealand or overseas.

Do I need to be embalmed?

Not necessarily although for health and safety reasons and presentation it is desirable.

Can I Have a cardboard coffin?

Cardboard coffins are available in New Zealand, but not every Crematorium or Cemetery Authority will accept them.

Do I have to pay the funeral account straight away?

No.

Accounts are sent out once we have received the official death certificate from the Registrar of Deaths which is normally 5-7 working days from the day of the funeral. The date for payment is printed on the bottom of our account, normally giving 4-6 weeks for payment. Should there be a hold up in administration of an estate we will extend the date for payment as long as we are contacted by either family or a solicitor.

Can I donate my body to medical science?

Yes, although a second option needs to be discussed with family just in case the Medical School does not have sufficient holding facilities available at the time.

What Government assistance is there for funerals?

NZ Income Support Services have a funeral grant which can be applied for. This is a means tested funeral grant. If a person dies as the result of an accident then ACC makes a funeral grant available to cover funeral expenses. We have the forms available in our office for both of these funeral grant options and will advise a family at the time.