Our Services

At Distinct Funerals, we believe every farewell should reflect the unique wishes of your loved one — whether cultural, spiritual, or deeply personal.

We understand how difficult it can be to make decisions in times of loss, which is why we’re here to guide and support you with care at every step. Our services are designed to honour your loved one meaningfully while respecting your financial considerations.

Below you’ll find an overview of the options most often chosen by families we support.

Burial

Burials in New Zealand must take place in a designated cemetery or urupā. Families may choose to use an existing family plot or purchase a new one.

If a new plot is needed, our team can guide you through the process and provide support with all arrangements.

Cremation

Cremation offers families a range of choices for the final resting place of ashes, such as scattering in a special location, burial in a cemetery or family plot, keeping them at home, or sharing them among family members.

It’s important to think about these options in advance, as making decisions later can be difficult for loved ones.

Today, cremation is the most common choice for families in New Zealand.

Embalming

Embalming is the process of preserving a person’s body using specialist techniques and products.

At Distinct Funerals, all embalming is carried out by our qualified and experienced embalmers in a modern facility, with the utmost respect and dignity.

The three main purposes of embalming are sanitisation, preservation, and presentation. While embalming is not always required, we may recommend it if burial or cremation is delayed beyond three days and refrigeration is not available.

Embalming is also necessary in certain circumstances — for example, when families wish to spend more than three days with their loved one at home or on a marae, after a post-mortem examination, to help improve appearance for viewing, or when the body is being repatriated.

Natural Care

For families who prefer a more natural approach, it is possible to keep your loved one at home for a short time or have them cared for at the funeral home.

This gentle, non-invasive option involves cooling the body with special ice packs or in a cool facility. It may also be suitable for direct cremation services.

Whether you choose embalming or natural care, our team will always clean, dress, and carefully place your loved one in the casket with respect.

We also encourage families to be involved in washing and dressing their loved one if they wish, as this simple act can provide comfort and support during the grieving process.

Venue

Choosing the right place to gather is an important part of honouring your loved one and creating a meaningful farewell.

Whether you prefer a religious or non-religious setting, we offer a wide range of options — including church services, independent chapels, sports clubs, outdoor locations, family homes, cemetery graveside services, and crematorium chapels.

With so many choices available in Invercargill, Distinct Funerals can help you plan a farewell that reflects your unique wishes — from a small, intimate gathering to a larger celebration of life.

Clergy or Celebrant

At Distinct Funerals, we’ll help you choose the right person to lead your loved one’s service.

This may be a member of the clergy, a professional celebrant, or even a close friend or family member. Whoever you choose, we’ll ensure the service truly reflects your loved one’s life, values, and the way you wish to remember them.

Eulogy

Creating a eulogy can feel daunting, but it’s also a meaningful way to honour and celebrate your loved one’s life. The following steps may help:

Gather memories and details — such as their birth and family background, childhood, education, achievements, interests, relationships, and special nicknames or sayings.

Organise their story — often chronologically, from early years through to their later life.

Share personal touches — highlight their unique qualities, humour, values, and character through stories or anecdotes.

Include meaningful elements — such as favourite readings, poems, hymns, or music.

Our team at Distinct Funerals is here to provide guidance and support if you need help along the way.

Whether the eulogy is delivered by a celebrant, clergy member, family, or friends, these tips can assist in creating a fitting tribute that captures the heart of your loved one’s story.

Monumental Masonry

At Distinct Funerals, our values are built on transparency, reliability, and providing the highest standard of funeral care in Invercargill.

We believe in partnering with trusted companies who share these values.

For this reason, we are proud to recommend Maiden Stone for gravestones, headstones, and monumental needs — ensuring lasting memorials that honour your loved one with dignity and care.

Family notice

Publishing a death notice in a newspaper can be a thoughtful way to let friends, family, and the wider community know of your loved one’s passing.

Distinct Funerals can assist you in placing a notice in any New Zealand newspaper, in both print and digital formats.

We also offer families the option of publishing a notice in our online obituary section, providing a lasting space to share memories and messages of support.

Customised Service

At Distinct Funerals, we tailor every service to reflect your loved one’s wishes and your family’s budget. If there’s something special you have in mind that isn’t listed, our team will do our best to make it happen.

We invite you to reach out and talk with us about your options — we’re here to guide and support you through this difficult time.