Oamaru Funeral Services offers full funeral services and direct cremation.

Whatever you need — a traditional service, a simple gathering, or a direct cremation — we will talk through your options honestly and without pressure, and give you a clear idea of costs from the start.

What a funeral director actually does

Most people contact a funeral director once or twice in their lives. What happens in between is largely invisible — and that is probably how it should be.But it is worth knowing what is involved, because it is considerably more than most people expect. The first callWhen someone dies, the first call comes to us — at any hour, on any day. We transfer your loved one into our care from wherever they have died, at whatever time is needed. Care and preparationOnce in our care, the deceased is washed, dressed, and looked after until the day of the funeral. If embalming is required, we carry this out ourselves. Embalming preserves the body and allows time for family to gather, or for a viewing if the family wishes. ArrangementsWe meet with the family to talk through everything — the type of service, the venue, music, readings, flowers, a casket, a death notice. Nothing is assumed. Once the family's wishes are clear, we coordinate everything: the celebrant or clergy, the florist, the cemetery or crematorium, the service sheets, and anything else involved. Families are welcome to handle any of these themselves, but most find it simpler to leave it with us. PaperworkThere is more paperwork involved in a death than most people expect, and we handle all of it — including death registration, the medical documentation required before cremation can take place, and obtaining the death certificate for the family. The dayWe direct the funeral. We manage the timing, support the family, and ensure the service proceeds with dignity through to the committal. AfterwardsIf cremation has taken place, we return the ashes to the family. We are also available for any follow-up questions or practical matters in the days that follow.