03 455 2128

THE FAREWELL

What instructions were left?

If there is a will, are there any instructions about the farewell?
Who is or are the executor(s) named in the will? They have the final say on what can happen.
Have there been conversations about the farewell while your loved one was still alive?

Cremation

There are several advantages to cremation.
One of the most significant is the lower cost.

If the person has died overseas, cremation makes the repatriation of the ashes easier and less expensive.

It is also an appropriate choice where there is insufficient space in an established family burial plot to place a casket, but sufficient space for an ashes urn.

Burial

If you choose a burial, the next question to be decided is where this will take place.
Some cemeteries are owned by local authorities while others are operated by trusts.
Is there an existing grave, or will a new plot be required?
New plots are only available in some of the cemeteries.

Natural burial

Dunedin’s natural burial area is in a peaceful elevated location within Green Park Cemetery, overlooking the sea.

The plot only holds one casket with enough space to allow for planting so that the bush can regenerate.

 Care for your loved one

We offer the full range of mortuary services ranging from simple washing, dressing, and casketing,  through to light embalming, eco-embalming and full embalming.

 Where a natural burial has been chosen or you want simple care we have facilities to provide this.

Our qualified and registered staff will discuss the options with you and create a care plan.
Embalming pamphlet

The farewell venue

Funerals can be held in many places, from churches to informal locations like the family home.

We have renovated our premises to create different spaces allowing for small intimate farewell through to large public gatherings.

We are always happy to show you around our facilities and discuss the options with you.

Funeral celebrant

The person who officiates at a farewell performs a vital role ensuring the life of the deceased is appropriately celebrated and remembered.

This may be a member of the clergy, a funeral celebrant or a family member.

We will liaise with them to ensure all the required services are appropriately organised.

Travelling in style

Our two flagship vehicles are a customised Ford LTD, and a classic black 1975 Chevrolet Impala. Both provide a dignified yet imposing sight when travelling with a casket and funeral flowers.

Alternative vehicles have also previously been used as hearses, including a classic fire engine, a Hillman Imp and a heavy truck.

Death notification

PRINT
Newspapers usually require the ‘main notice’ of a death to be placed by the funeral home, or need confirmation from the funeral home of the death. 
Other notices may also be placed by members of the family at their own discretion.

DIGITAL
There are several methods of notification on the Internet. We utilize HeavenAddress.com to provide on-line death notices or tribute pages depending on the requirements of the family.
Some families choose to use other platforms like Facebook.
Writing a Notice

Caskets

We have available a variety of caskets in different sizes although some have a limited size range.

Photo Finish Caskets

These caskets are decorated with a laminated photo image.

There are a number of existing images to choose from, or bespoke images can be used as long as they are of appropriate resolution and dimensions.

A minimum lead time of three working days is required to prepare these customized caskets.

Outside the Box

Gillions are proud to be the first Dunedin funeral company to stock the Outside the Box cardboard casket.

This is the creation of New Zealand designer Becs Bartells and has been designed with the environment in mind. 

A combination of renewable and natural materials including recycled cardboard are used in the manufacture of these caskets. They are 100% biodegradable and compostable and are the first cardboard casket to be certified in New Zealand by Natural Burials NZ.
Share by: