We note you’ve moved out of Ponsonby, where are you now?
Tell us about your new building?
We found a beautiful, old brick church that gives us more space and in turn allows us to do more. It’s modern, light and lovely with high ceilings and big windows. We’ve used Karen Walker colours with lots of flowers and candelabras. Mostly it has given us the ability to provide ‘host your own farewells’ in our Arohanui room with open mic, and options for wine and cheese, high tea, a luncheon, cocktail party or a traditional club sandwich and sausage roll. Everyone who comes here loves it.
What makes Natural Funerals stand out from other funeral directors?
I think it’s our intent to be very personal with our families. They can feel at home in our space and we are a group of women, which is
a more gentle approach. We specialise in no embalming and our body care is like the nurturing you would receive at a day spa. We use big, fluffy white towels, essential oils and candles for ambience. We have a good range of eco caskets from cardboards to solid timbers, even felted wool.
What types of caskets are most popular?
Our woven wicker basket is probably the one people love most. Then our ply and cardboard caskets that people like to draw on or paint. Shrouding is becoming more popular using cottons and silk. But most people don’t want to spend a fortune on a coffin, they’d rather spend their money on a wake.
What is a normal budget and what costs should be allowed for?
The biggest question of all, what does it cost! Costs are variable depending on what you have and how many people you are providing for. The essential and necessary costs are, taking care of a person’s body, cremation/burial, casket and medical certificates. Then there is the ceremony expenses of venue, catering, cards, flowers and MC. Costs range depending on choices from $3500 to $10,000 or more.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?
Our new website will be up and running very soon where you’ll be able to see our new services or come for coffee and have a look around.
THE NATURAL FUNERAL COMPANY, 120 New North Road, T: 09 361 6080, www.thenaturalfuneralcompany.co.nz