What Now?
You might be feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start. At Aroha Funerals, we’re here to guide you calmly, clearly, and without pressure. We’ll walk you through each step, explain your options, and help you make the choices that feel right for you and your family.
GUIDING YOU STEP BY STEP
2
Medical Confirmation
A medical professional must confirm and certify the death.
4
Meeting Arranged
We meet. Bring your loved ones clothing and key details if you can.
5
Planning The Farewell
We discuss your choices, help with paperwork and organise everything.
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Spend Some Time
You can opt to view your person, dress them, or bring them home.
8
Ashes Come Back
Following a cremation, the ashes come back within a couple of days.
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Death Certificate
This will be available within two weeks of the burial or cremation
Not Sure What You Need Yet? That’s Okay.
You don’t have to have answers right now. We’re here to help you make one decision at a time, and no pressure.
HERE'S ALL THE DETAILS
1
Contact Us
Call us any time. Once you get in touch, we’ll guide you through what needs to happen immediately and support you through each stage of the process. Call us on 0800 276 420
2
Medical Confirmation of Death
A medical professional must confirm and certify the death. What this looks like depends on where your loved one has passed away. They may ask whether you are planning a burial or cremation, as this can affect the type of paperwork required.
If the death happens in a rest home or hospital
Staff will contact the attending doctor and organise the required paperwork.
If the death happens at home
Call your doctor first. They’ll visit to confirm the death, complete necessary forms, and advise you on the next steps.
If the death is sudden or unexpected
Call 111 immediately. Paramedics will notify the police, who will assess whether the death is from natural causes or needs to be referred to the Coroner.
Understanding the Coroner’s role
The Coroner is an independent government official who investigates deaths that are sudden, accidental, unexplained, or where a doctor cannot confirm the cause. Their job is to determine how and why the person died.
3
We Take Care Of The Next Steps
Bringing your loved one into our care
Once a doctor has attended or the Coroner has taken over, please call us. From that point, we handle everything needed to bring your loved one into our care.
This includes:
- Liaising with hospitals, care homes, doctors, or the Coroner’s office
- Organising all required medical documentation
- Arranging transport
- Answering any immediate questions or concerns
You’ll be kept informed at every stage.
4
We Arrange To Meet (at your place or ours)
We’ll organise a time to meet – either in the comfort of your home or at ours. Bringing the following can be helpful but not essential:
- Draft wording for a newspaper notice
- Information needed for the death certificate
- Clothing for your loved one
If you don’t have these yet, don’t worry – we’ll guide you through it.
5
The Meeting - Paperwork & Planning The Farewell
During the meeting, we’ll talk through all your options and wishes, including:
- Organising the time and date for the burial or cremation
- Cultural, spiritual, or family traditions
- Funeral Arrangements
- Simple Cremation and Burial options
- Guiding you through all the required paperwork
From there, we will make all the necessary arrangements on your behalf, keeping you updated and supported throughout.
6
Spending Time With Your Loved One
Your choices for viewing and care
Many families appreciate the chance to spend time with their loved one. You may choose to:
- Spend time with them in a private viewing room
- Wash and/or dress them (a Funeral Director will always be on hand to help you with this.)
- Have them at home for a day or two
These choices are personal, and we’re here to support whatever feels right for you.
7
The Funeral, Cremation or Burial
Honouring them your way
The farewell is held according to the decisions made – whether a funeral service, a simple cremation, or a burial. We’ll co-ordinate every detail to ensure the day runs smoothly and reflects your wishes.
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Ashes Are Available
If cremation is chosen, ashes are usually ready within a couple of days. We will return them to you in a simple pine box, or we can help you choose an urn if you’d like something more personal.
The Death Certificate
The official death certificate, issued by The Department of Internal Affairs (Births, Deaths and Marriages), typically arrives within two weeks. We’ll let you know as soon as it’s available.
QUICK LINKS
Aroha Penrose
7C Bassant Ave, Penrose,
Auckland 1061
Aroha Takanini
23 Tironui Road, Takanini, Auckland 1542