Planning a Funeral or Tangihanga in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Kāpiti

Planning a Funeral or Tangihanga in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Kāpiti

A practical local guide

When someone dies, most families want two things: clear guidance and calm, steady support. In the Wellington region, our surroundings often shape our goodbyes: the harbour breeze, the shelter of the hills, the openness of the Kāpiti Coast. This local guide walks you through what to expect, from the first call through to the days after the service, with practical tips and local details to make the process a little gentler for everyone.

If you need to speak to someone now, our Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Kāpiti teams are available 24 hours a day.

First contact and transfer

Your funeral director will arrange a respectful transfer from home, hospital, care facility or public place, and begin noting wishes for burial or cremation. That first conversation sets the tone, so share anything important, cultural traditions, faith preferences, timing, or a wish for quiet simplicity. You will find local contact details and maps on each branch page.

Burial, cremation, and eco-friendly choices

We will ask early whether your loved one wished to be buried or cremated, as that determines certain documents and next steps. If you would prefer a more natural farewell, the Wellington region offers natural burial options at Mākara and Ōtaki Cemeteries. These sites follow earth-friendly principles such as no embalming, burial within the active soil layer, untreated caskets, and native tree planting. Your funeral director will explain what is involved and help you meet the guidelines.

Choosing the right venue

Many families choose to hold a service in one of our funeral home chapels, as they offer comfort, accessibility, and modern facilities.

• Wellington:
  Cockburn Street Chapel, seats up to 150 people. Located in Kilbirnie. 56 Onepu Road, Kilbirnie has a smaller purpose-built chapel with seating for up to 20 people, well-suited for families wanting a quiet, carefully designed setting for their service.

• Lower Hutt:
  Our Lower Hutt Chapel located at 665 High Street (Opposite Hutt Hospital) seats 100 people, with an overflow area for an additional 75.
• Upper Hutt:
  Cnr Ward & Fergusson Drive Upper Hutt our Chapel comfortably accommodates 130 people, with additional capacity if needed.
• Kāpiti:
  Our Paraparaumu chapel, located on the corner of Kāpiti Road and Hurley Road, offers a modern, light-filled space with seating for up to 170 people. It flows seamlessly into the Collins Opie Lounge, a welcoming area for friends and family to gather after the service.Crematorium chapels at Karori and Whenua Tapu are also available for families who prefer shorter travel times.

Shaping the ceremony

Some families invite a minister, others prefer a celebrant, or a blend of both. Your funeral director can connect you with someone who fits your family’s style or work with clergy you already know. We can help with music, readings, speakers, photo presentations, and printed service sheets. Our team designs beautiful service materials, memorial books and thank-you cards, ensuring every detail feels personal.

Time together and viewing

Spending time with your loved one before the service can bring comfort and help with acceptance. Viewings can be arranged during the week or by appointment after hours. If you would like to bring the person home or gather at another location, we will help you plan that too, in a way that’s right for everyone.

Technology that includes everyone

All our chapels have live streaming, so friends and whānau across Aotearoa and overseas can take part in real time. A secure recording is also available to view later. We can even arrange streaming at other venues, so everyone feels included, even from afar.

Parking and access

Wellington offers very limited parking options at most venues, however, all of our main funeral chapels offer ample parking. Our funeral directors can assist with parking planning If your chosen venue has limitations and we will always assist with making access easy for anyone with mobility issues.

Food, drink, and a place to gather

After the formalities, a shared cup of tea brings people together. On-site catering is available at all of our chapels, or we can help you arrange catering elsewhere. You are welcome to suggest favourite foods or plan a simple menu. (Please note alcohol is not permitted on site, but we can recommend nearby venues that do.)

Paperwork and the death certificate

We register the death electronically on the day of the funeral. Births, Deaths and Marriages then issues the certified copy, usually within five working days. We can send this to you or your solicitor and provide JP-certified copies if you need them.

Support after the funeral

Grief unfolds in its own time. Families in our care have access to a complimentary bereavement support service, a safe, confidential space to talk through what comes next.

When you are ready, contact your nearest branch in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt or Kāpiti. With local knowledge and gentle guidance, we will help you create a farewell that feels right for your whānau.