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A variety of funerals to suit everyone

April 30, 2024

Life presents us with numerous choices, and even after we pass away, there are decisions for our families to consider. In New Zealand, our approach to funerals and farewells is unique and diverse, offering

various options to suit individual preferences.


A Direct or Simple Cremation, involving no service or viewing, with cremation arranged once paperwork is completed.


A Farewell Viewing allows immediate family time together in a viewing room, with the casket open or closed as desired.


An Intimate Friends and Family Farewell accommodates up to 10 people in our Carisbrook Room, where loved ones can say their farewells privately. If required, refreshments can be supplied. Graveside services offer a less formal goodbye at the burial site, with eco-burial available for those mindful of their ecological footprint.


Home services allow families to spend time with their loved one in their own environment, while private services can be held in various locations by invitation only.


Our Carisbrook Room is the perfect venue for up to 30 people for a small private service. Public services,

advertised beforehand, are open to all and can be conducted in our chapel or larger venues like churches or halls.


A Memorial Service, held after cremation or burial, provides an opportunity for celebration and remembrance.


Considering a bequest to the Otago University Department of Anatomy supports future medical professionals. Additionally, we offer assistance with repatriation nationally through our networks

of Funeral Director’s Association of New Zealand members, and internationally from our wider Networks.


We always welcome enquiries about the wide range of services we can offer.

New Years Reflections

By Office • February 19, 2025
Writing down my wishes

Victorian Funeral Customs

By Keith Gillions • October 15, 2024
How Victorians Mourned

Pets grieve too

By Office • October 13, 2024
Because pets can't speak their grief often manifests in behavioural changes

The hard conversation - Euthanasia of a pet

By Office • September 21, 2024
Making the decision to euthanise a pet is never easy

Should children be involved

By Office • September 18, 2024
We’re often asked whether children should be involved after a family member's death, and if so, how? While you know your children best, our general advice is to include them as much as possible. Children will take cues from the adults around them, so if you're open and honest, they will likely follow suit. Answer their questions directly but avoid unnecessary details unless they're asked. Their inquiries will be shaped by their age and previous experiences, such as the death of a pet. Children under 7 may not fully understand that death is permanent, universal, and involves the body stopping completely. They may ask more literal questions, like "Who will Nan play with in heaven?" or "Who will take me to the park?"

Viewing the deceased

By Office • September 18, 2024
In some cultures, being around the deceased is a natural part of life, but in Western culture, we’ve moved away from this. At Gillions, we believe in supporting families to be as involved as they wish in caring for their loved one after they’ve passed. This may include helping to dress them, spending time with them, or bringing them home before the funeral. While it’s natural to feel unsure about this, we often hear from families that the experience was deeply meaningful. Dressing a loved one can feel like a final act of love, especially if you helped care for them before they passed. We encourage children to be part of this process too.

Grief

By Office • September 18, 2024
Grief is a deeply personal journey, influenced by past experiences and the circumstances of loss. When a death is sudden, for instance, grief can feel more complex and harder to navigate than when the death was expected. While many find their own path through grief, others may require additional support 

Navigating grief after a pet dies

By Office • September 14, 2024
It is not just children who are deeply affected by the loss of a pet.  Grief is a price we pay for love.

By Office • September 8, 2024
Lets get talking

2024 Pet Memorial

By Office • September 1, 2024
I still remember the heartache of putting our beautiful girl, Keira, to sleep after 15 years with us. We had a deep bond. She travelled with us overseas and to different cities. Her demise was very sudden and came as such a shock. Pets provide unconditional love, happiness, and joy. When that is taken away, there is a void left in their place. They are a loved member of the family. Some may not understand the depth of your grief, but for you, it is real. At Gillions, we have all lost pets. The grieving process cannot be forced or hurried; for some, it can be measured in years. Reaching out to others who have lost pets can help ease the grieving process. Since 2019, we have held an annual pet memorial—a funeral for your pet. We include the elements of a traditional funeral: a musician, celebrant, a slideshow of all the loved pets, a memorial tree, and light refreshments afterwards. Our next pet memorial will be held on Sunday, October 6th, at 2 pm in the Gillions Chapel. Please send your photos to pets@gillions.co.nz by September 30th. If you are unable to attend in person, we will live-stream the service.  "Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way." - Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
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