Question 1

What should I do first when someone dies?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to call us. Our funeral directors in Christchurch and Kaiapoi are available 24/7 to guide you.

A doctor also needs to confirm the death and issue a medical certificate — we’ll help you with this process.

From there, we’ll bring your loved one into our care, explain the paperwork, and give you time to decide where they should rest until the funeral.

Question 2

What documents do I need to bring to arrange a funeral?

Accepted Answer

When arranging a funeral, certain documents are needed for legal and registration purposes. These include birth and marriage certificates, plus any pre-planning or prepaid funeral details if they exist.

It also helps to bring a recent photo of your loved one and a list of family names for the death registration.

We’ll guide you through exactly what’s required, and you can also download our checklist from the Helpful Guides section.

Question 3

Why have a funeral service?

Accepted Answer

A funeral service provides more than a farewell — it’s a time for family and friends to gather, reflect, and support one another. Whether it’s a burial or cremation, a funeral offers a sense of structure and meaning, helping with grief and giving people the chance to celebrate a life well lived. There’s no single way to hold a funeral, but almost every culture and tradition recognises its value.

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Question 4

Can I spend time with the body?

Accepted Answer

We offer comfortable, private rooms for you and your family to say goodbye to your loved one.

We can also arrange for your loved one to spend time at home, or in your marae, before the funeral.

Some people like to take this opportunity to leave small mementos such as gifts, cards, letters, or other meaningful items. Sometimes families like to decorate their loved one’s casket together. How you spend this precious time is up to you.

Question 5

How will you care for my loved one before the funeral?

Accepted Answer

At John Rhind, we treat every person with dignity and respect. Our trained team will gently prepare your loved one, including washing, dressing them in clothing you provide, and supporting any cultural or religious practices.

You can choose embalming if the funeral is some days away, or if your loved one will be at home or on a marae before the service.

Your loved one may rest with us in our chapel, or with family, depending on your wishes.

Question 6

How do we decide between burial or cremation?

Accepted Answer

Both burial and cremation are respectful choices.

A burial may feel right if your family already has a cemetery plot, follows cultural or religious traditions, or values a place for future visits.

Cremation offers flexibility — ashes can be kept, scattered, or interred, and services can be held straight away or later.

As your local funeral directors in Christchurch and North Canterbury, we’ll explain both options, including costs and local facilities, so you feel confident in your decision.

Question 7

Do we still write a newspaper death notice?

Accepted Answer

Many families still find value in placing a notice in the newspaper or on online tribute sites. A death notice informs the wider community of the passing, funeral details, and how people can send condolences.

Our team can help you write the notice, suggest wording, and arrange publication.

If you prefer, we can also guide you towards online funeral notices, which some families now prefer.

Question 8

Personalising the Service

Accepted Answer

A eulogy doesn’t have to be long or formal. It’s about capturing what made your loved one unique — stories, memories, and the qualities people will always remember. We encourage you to be personal and honest.

Some families share the role between several speakers. If you’re unsure where to start, our celebrants and funeral directors can guide you, and we have resources with helpful examples in our Helpful Guides section.

Question 9

What’s expected of a pallbearer?

Accepted Answer

Being a pallbearer is both a practical role and a mark of respect. Pallbearers are usually family members or close friends chosen to carry or accompany the casket at a funeral service.

Traditionally there are six, though some families choose four or eight. On the day, our team will guide pallbearers through what’s involved — from where to stand, how to carry safely, and when to step forward. Some may carry the casket on their shoulders, while others walk alongside as it is wheeled into place.

There is no one “right way” to be a pallbearer. What matters is the symbolism: supporting your loved one on their final journey.

Question 10

Do we need printed service sheets?

Accepted Answer

Service sheets are not essential, but they’re a meaningful keepsake. They often include the order of service, readings, music, and photos, and can be treasured afterwards.

We can design and print these for you, or you may choose a digital version shared online to reduce paper use. Examples and templates are available in our Helpful Guides section.

Question 11

Can we arrange flowers for the funeral?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Flowers can be a central part of a funeral service, or you may prefer to keep them simple.

We work with trusted Christchurch and Kaiapoi florists who create arrangements to suit your style and budget.

Some families also invite donations in lieu of flowers, with proceeds going to a chosen charity. We can help include this option in the service sheet or notices.

Question 12

What music should we choose?

Accepted Answer

Music plays a powerful role in a funeral. It can be traditional hymns, classical pieces, or modern songs that meant something to your loved one.

Many families select an entry song, reflection music, and a final piece as the casket leaves. We’ll help you choose music that feels right, and we can also arrange live musicians if you wish.

Suggested playlists are available in our Helpful Guides section.

Question 13

Can we include photos or video?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multimedia adds another layer of storytelling to a funeral. Families often create a photo slideshow set to music, or play video messages from relatives overseas.

We also provide livestreaming so those who can’t be present in Christchurch or Kaiapoi can still take part. Our staff handle the technical side, so you can focus on your family.

Question 14

What are memorial books and mementos?

Accepted Answer

A memorial book gives guests the chance to write messages and share memories, which become a lasting keepsake. Families may also choose small mementos such as printed bookmarks, candles, or tokens to hand out at the service. These items offer comfort afterwards, reminding people of the day and the life honoured.

Question 15

What about monuments or headstones?

Accepted Answer

If you choose burial, a headstone or plaque can be arranged once the ground has settled.

We’ll guide you through local options in Christchurch and Canterbury, including designs, materials, and inscriptions. A headstone becomes a permanent place of remembrance for family and friends to visit.

Question 16

When is embalming advised?

Accepted Answer

Embalming is not always necessary, but it may be recommended in certain situations:

When your loved one is being repatriated to another city or overseas.
If the funeral will not take place for several days.
When you wish your loved one to spend time at home or on a marae before the service.

Our trained embalmers will talk you through the process so you can decide what’s best for your circumstances.

Question 17

Can I have an eco-friendly funeral in Christchurch or Canterbury?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can support eco-friendly funerals for both burials and cremations.

Options include natural burials in designated cemeteries, eco-caskets made from sustainable materials such as untreated pine, bamboo, or wicker, and biodegradable urns and keepsakes.

You may also choose local, seasonal flowers and foliage, local catering, and reduced or digital service sheets. Every choice contributes to a farewell that honours your loved one while caring for the environment.

Check our Helpful Guides for more environmentally aware decisions.

Question 18

How can we make sure the service reflects our culture?

Accepted Answer

We regularly work with families from different traditions. Māori whānau may hold tangihanga on a marae, Pacific families may bring cultural songs and rituals, and we also support Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, and non-religious ceremonies.

Our role is to listen and ensure your cultural practices are respected and included.