Celebrate the Sounds of Aotearoa

Celebrate the Sounds of Aotearoa

New Zealand Music Month is a chance to celebrate the sounds of Aotearoa, and that can include the music chosen for a funeral or memorial service. At Harbour City Funeral Home, music is often one of the most personal and meaningful parts of a farewell.

Each May, New Zealand Music Month shines a light on home-grown artists and songs, encouraging more local music to be heard across the country. It can be a gentle prompt for families to think about how Kiwi music has woven through their own lives and how it might be included in a service.

Why music matters at a funeral

Music can help tell the story of a person’s life, from childhood favourites to songs they sang along to in the car or at concerts. Certain pieces can offer comfort, create space for reflection, or even bring a moment of shared laughter when a song perfectly captures someone’s sense of humour.

Music moments to think about include:

• Gathering music
• Processional music (if the casket is being carried in)
• Reflection music
• Photo presentation music
• Recessional music

New Zealand songs that can be meaningful

The ‘right’ song is always the one that feels right for you and your whānau. Some examples include:

• “Pōkarekare Ana” – Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
• “Whakaaria Mai (How Great Thou Art)” – Sir Howard Morrison
• “Sway” – Bic Runga
• “Special” – Six60
• “Hallelujah” – Stan Walker

How Harbour City Funeral Home can help

If you are planning a funeral service, talk through the song ideas that reflect your loved one’s tastes or cultural background.

Our funeral directors can help arrange recordings, live musicians, or singers to ensure the music runs smoothly and supports a meaningful farewell.