According to the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand, the average cost of a funeral is $8800.
Around 50 percent of what you pay is the funeral director’s fee and another 20 percent is the price of the coffin. Local government charges (for plot and cremation fees) account for most of the rest.
Coffin costs
Coffin costs range from about $750 for untreated pine or plywood, up to as much as $5000.
Embalming costs
Some funeral directors charge an all-in-one fee for their services; others have a lower fee and charge separately for costs such as embalming. Research estimates the average cost of embalming at between $565 and $675.
Council fees
Our 2006 survey of funeral prices found charges varied widely from council to council, with fees ranging from $1120 to $2900 for burial. The Auckland region was the most expensive.
Watch the "extras"
Videotaping, audiotaping and slideshows can enhance the funeral experience, but prices can vary widely for some of these services. We accept that there is some variation in the quality - for example, whether or not a professional operator is used - but prices can range from free up to a whopping $750 to video a service or create a slide show.
Financial hardship
Work and Income provides a Funeral Grant of $1820.08 (at 1 April 2009). The grant is available to the partner, child, parent, or guardian of the deceased to help towards funeral costs. It's both asset and income tested.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Burial, cremation or donation
