The Farewell
There’s No One Right Way to Say Goodbye
The days of “this coffin, that church, those hymns” are, thankfully, behind us.
Today, you have the freedom to design a farewell that truly reflects your loved one’s personality, passions, and story. Whether traditional or entirely unique, we’re here to help make it happen.
Here are just some of the possibilities:
- Their favourite music, played live or recorded
- Personal items that reflect their life and hobbies
- A chance to draw or write messages on the casket
- Creating a custom casket or urn (where possible)
- Including media clips, videos, or photo slideshows
- Flowers/flora from their or your own garden
- Bringing beloved pets (just let us know)
- Use an appropriate personal vehicle to transport your loved one
- A friend or relative officiating the ceremony
- Their favourite sweets or snacks served alongside catering afterwards
Contributing your own personal touches not only makes the service
more heartfelt and memorable, it can also help keep costs down.
Every life is unique, and every farewell should be too.
Share your ideas with us, and together we’ll create a service that
reflects your loved one with warmth, authenticity, and care.
Caskets and Urns
We offer a range of caskets and urns to suit different styles, preferences, and sustainability choices.
Wooden Caskets
- Sustainably sourced Rimu: Traditional two-tiered raised lid.
- Artisan Casket (Award-Winning): Smooth, rounded pine handles with a beautifully crafted design.
- Simple shaped designs that can be painted, drawn on, have personal messages written
- Amber-stained Pine: Traditional feel with silver handles.
- Silver Beech Archetype: Modern design with long bar handles.
Woollen Caskets
- New Zealand woollen caskets in Limestone Grey or Wool White.
- Soft, eco-friendly, and sustainable.
Wicker Caskets
- Natural willow wicker style, available with matching urn.
Urns & Scatter Tubes
- Hand crafted matching urns for most caskets
- Scatter tubes: sunsets over the ocean, sunflower fields, rainbows, forest scenes, roses, and more.
- Traditional urns crafted from various woods', handmade Kete, Aqua ceramic, or with Paua inserts.
Cremation Jewellery & Keepsakes
- Meaningful and thoughtfully priced so every family can cherish a lasting keepsake.
- Various colours and designs
- Fingerprint jewellery and keepsakes available on request
Writing a Eulogy: Honouring a Life in Words
It’s impossible to sum up a whole life in just a few minutes – but a eulogy offers a powerful way to share memories, reflect on what made someone unique, and begin the process of farewell with love and honesty.
A meaningful eulogy is more than just life’s timeline.
While it’s helpful to include key milestones such as birth, marriage, major life changes or career highlights; it’s often the stories, personal reflections, and small details that help people connect.
Where to Begin
Rather than opening with dates and facts, you might like to consider:
- Start with a poem, quote, or spiritual reading that reflects your loved one’s outlook
- Share a short story or snapshot from their early life
- Paint a picture of their personality, their passions, and how they lived
Think of a good eulogy to be an invitation; one that gives others permission to remember, reflect, and share the stories that made your loved one so special.
Don’t be afraid to include:
- Your feelings and shared moments with the person
- Funny or heartfelt anecdotes – these can be comforting and even uplifting
- A sense of the way they impacted yourself and others, whether quietly or boldly
Many people find it too difficult to speak at the service but may still want their thoughts included. Perhaps reach out to close family or friends,
even a short message or favourite memory can be woven into your words.
Remember: there is no one right way to write a eulogy…
It’s about telling their story with honesty, warmth,
and love, in your own voice.
Little Ones and Furry Companions
Deciding whether to bring your little person to a funeral service can be a difficult choice. Gone are the days when children were expected to be shielded from grief.
When supported in an age-appropriate way, being included can help them understand what has happened, say goodbye, and feel part of the family’s journey.
Children are always welcome at our services. We have comfortable spaces where families can step away if needed, along with colouring activities to keep little hands busy.
We also encourage you to bring your child’s favourite toy, book, or comfort item to help them feel safe and settled throughout the service.
We believe an authentic farewell should include those who mattered most. Our faithful furry companions often hold a special place in our hearts.
We welcome friendly, socialised dogs to our services, recognising the comfort and companionship they can bring.
Just let us know, and we will have a water bowl and a special spot ready and waiting.
Every Life Matters – Remembering Your Infant
Even the shortest of lives leave a lasting imprint.
Taking time to acknowledge your little one is a meaningful and healing part of the grieving journey.
Whether it’s a small gathering with those closest to you, or a ceremony held in a chapel, church, or funeral home, in creating space to remember, you give yourself – and those who love you –
a chance to express love, grief, and connection in a deeply personal and healthy way.
Sands New Zealand is a voluntary network of parent-run, non-profit groups offering understanding and support for those dealing with pregnancy, baby and infant loss.