Why you might want to get help planning a Tangi or funeral

Losing loved ones is one of the hardest things anyone can ever go through. The irony is of course that if you were the closest to them, while dealing with your loss and grief – you may also have to assist with the funeral planning.

For most people, this can be a time to bring in help from the experts. 

The role of a funeral director is to be that calm voice who takes the organisation process out of your hands, taking care of all the details and ensuring your loved one gets a personalised, seamless service.

The role of funeral directors: What do they offer?

A funeral director is an important role for any final farewell. They are there to do all of the organising of the funeral, so you and your family can have more time to yourselves to grieve. 

They can organise transportation of the deceased, death notices, registering the death, preparation and dressing of the deceased, the service, providing the catering, managing any floral arrangements, setting up the burial or cremation with the local council, and so much more. 

Basically, all you may have to do is provide details about the deceased so they know what kind of service to organise. A funeral director will take care of the rest. 

Pros of having a funeral director

The most obvious benefit of bringing on a funeral director is that they do all the work of organising a funeral for you. 

However, the most underrated benefit of having a funeral director is that they know what needs to be done. Unless you’ve organised a funeral before, you might not know key steps that are involved – such as registering the death or organising transport. Additionally, a funeral director will also know when something needs to be done, such as how far in advance you need to order catering and flowers before a service. And finally, they have all the industry contacts and experience in carrying out these tasks, ensuring that it’s done efficiently and easily. 

Cons of having a funeral director

The only real downsides of having a funeral director can be the cost. A funeral will typically take approximately 16-20 hours of their time, so they will charge a professional service fee for their work. 

The cost considerations of working with a funeral director are often wrapped up in the overall costs of a funeral, which are typically high. 

Keep in mind, funeral Insurance can be one way to help cover these costs so your family doesn't have to think about the price tag when they are deciding whether to bring in a funeral director. 

When hiring a funeral director might be the best choice

Unless you’re the kind of person who prefers to stay busy when grieving, a funeral director is usually a common choice for those organising a final farewell.

They can act as your advisor, administrator, event planner, grief supporter, and caregiver throughout the process, which are all things most of us need when we’re organising a funeral for a loved one. 

How different cultures approach funerals: Tangi and beyond

Funeral traditions vary widely across cultures, with Māori practices offering a unique and deeply meaningful approach.

The tangihanga or tangi, a traditional Māori funeral, is an important communal event that honours the life and spirit of the deceased. Family and friends gather at the marae, where the ceremony includes speeches, waiata (songs), and the sharing of memories. The tangi often spans several days, with the body of the deceased lying in state for mourners to pay their respects. It’s important to find a funeral director who specialises in tangi cultural customs and can guide the family to ensure all traditions are followed.

Beyond the tangi, other New Zealand cultures, such as those of European, Pacific Island, and Asian descent, have their own traditions—ranging from Christian services with hymns and eulogies to Samoan funerals with elaborate feasts and rituals. These diverse practices reflect the rich cultural landscape of our beautiful country, ensuring that every individual is honoured in a way that aligns with their beliefs and heritage.

When it comes to funerals, it can help to plan ahead. Your loved ones may have set aside funds or organised funeral insurance to help cover the costs of a funeral. If not, take the time to consider setting it up for yourself to one day give your loved ones a final helping hand.

Learn more about OneChoice Funeral Insurance or request a quote today.

9 May 2025