The Funeral Directors Association has released guidance to help people prepare for the cost of a funeral, burial, or cremation as most councils increase their cemetery fees.
The largest increase so far is in Wairoa, where the cost of a plot and burial is $2960, up 48% from last year.
The cost for an ash plot and interment has risen 42% to $630. In the Marlborough region, the total cost for burials and ash burials has risen 18% to $5572 and $1971, respectively.
Napier’s total ash burial cost has risen 22% to $895, while Tauranga’s has risen 9% to $5450. In Christchurch, the total cost for burials and ash interments has risen 10% to $3356 and $849, respectively.
Funeral Directors Association chief executive Gillian Boyes is concerned about the price hikes’ impact on families and recommends talking to funeral directors about their budget and understanding there’s no set cost for a funeral with a range of price options for items like caskets.
Boyes is urging the government to raise the Work and Income Funeral Grant available to low-income families. Currently, the maximum means-tested grant is $2559.20. In comparison, the maximum ACC funeral grant is $7793.13.
Pre-purchasing a plot locks in the price instead of potentially higher costs at the time of someone’s death in future years. Another tip is setting money aside for the cost in advance.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said the cost increase has been coming for a long time but is still being consulted with the community before the prices are confirmed.
Marlborough District Council spokesperson said the new pricing structure will be phased over three years.
Christchurch City Council community parks manager Al Hardy said the increases are about aligning their prices with other councils.
Another contributing factor has been the rising costs of providing burial plots and services.
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