What Funeral Directors Really Do and Why It Matters

Why We Should Give a Bit More Credit to the People Who Step Up When It Matters Most
​
​Funeral directors have taken a bit of heat in recent years. Some people feel they charge too much, or that the funeral industry’s too focused on profit. And sure, it’s fair to ask questions. Funerals can be expensive, and not everyone has the same experience.
But here’s the thing: most people don’t see the work happening behind the scenes. When someone dies, there’s more to do than choosing a casket or booking a time for the service. There’s paperwork, logistics, transport, family dynamics, legal details, cultural practices, and a lot of it needs to happen quickly. That’s where funeral directors come in.

When you’re grieving, even basic tasks can feel overwhelming and for a lot of people, dealing with forms, timelines, logistics, or figuring out how to arrange care for a loved one’s body is just too much. Funeral directors know what needs to happen, and they know how to do it with compassion, clarity, and professionalism.
​
They carry out a wide range of duties that ease the burden for families, including:
• Handling legal and administrative matters, such as registering the death, arranging permits, and obtaining the official death certificate.
• Caring for the deceased with dignity and professionalism, including transport, preparation, and, where requested, embalming.
• Coordinating the funeral, managing logistics, booking venues, liaising with cemeteries or crematoria, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.
• Personalising the service, helping families create a meaningful farewell that reflects the life and values of the person who has passed.
• Providing emotional support, offering practical guidance and compassion at a time when people are often overwhelmed and vulnerable.

It’s not just a job. It’s a service built on empathy, experience, and attention to detail.
Like any industry, there are different levels of service. But most funeral directors in New Zealand are in this line of work because they genuinely care. It’s not an easy job. It takes emotional strength, long hours, and the ability to meet people in their darkest moments , often with very little thanks.

That kind of care deserves some recognition.

Yes, You Can Plan a Funeral Yourself
If you or your family want to go the DIY route, that’s awesome. There’s a growing movement of families choosing to do more themselves; caring for the body at home, holding private services, or keeping things simple and personal. It’s a beautiful option for those who are up for it, and we fully support families making choices that reflect their values.

If this is something you’re considering, it’s worth looking into before you actually need it. There are great resources out there, and understanding what’s involved ahead of time can make a big difference. Legal requirements still need to be met. The body must be cared for properly. Timelines can be tight. And in the midst of grief, it can be a lot to manage, even for the most organised families.
That’s why, for many families, working with a funeral director brings real peace of mind. For some, it’s not a luxury. It’s a huge relief.

Some families choose to personalise their farewell by decorating a cardboard casket, a hands-on, meaningful way to honour a loved one.

There’s Room for Both Traditions and New Ideas
At the same time, we know many families today are looking for something a bit different, something that feels personal, simple, and more in line with their values. That’s part of why we created our cardboard caskets. They’re made here in New Zealand from 100% biodegradable materials, without plastic or metal, and they’re approved for both cremation and natural burial.

Whether families want to decorate them by hand, or choose one of our printed nature designs, it’s about giving people a real alternative to the traditional and one that many funeral homes across the country are proud to support.

It’s also worth saying: working with a funeral director doesn’t mean giving up control. It’s not an all-or-nothing situation. A good funeral director can be as involved or as hands-off as you want.

Some families want to be involved in every step. Others would rather hand over the details and focus on grieving. Most fall somewhere in the middle. And that’s okay, there’s no one right way to do this. What matters is that you feel supported.

There are a growing number of funeral homes around New Zealand that offer exactly this kind of flexibility. They’ll meet you where you’re at, whether you’re planning something formal, natural, spiritual, simple, or deeply personalised.

It’s not about following a fixed formula. It’s about making space for grief, memory, and meaning in a way that feels right for your loved one.

Funeral directors don’t just organise services, they guide families through one of the hardest moments of their lives. They carry the weight so you don’t have to. And while they might not always get the praise, they deserve a bit more credit than they get.

There’s more than one way to farewell someone, and no one path is right for everyone. But for many, having someone there who knows the way can make all the difference.

Credit where it’s due.