Open 7 days

We will be here to help you and your family in case of need.

If a death occurs please, call us on:

• (Office) 03 2189468
• (Anneke) 021 362426
• (AJ) 021 1590988
• (Kath) 027 5221022

or email us: [email protected]z

Respect, transparency, and empathy. 

Distinct Funeral Services is a Southland owned family business with the vision to provide a fresh approach to guide families before, during and beyond the funeral experience.

We aim to provide premium services and products, showing transparency for all costs. 

Our team is focused on working in partnership with your family, genuinely interested in fulfilling the wishes of the loved one who has passed.

Our vision is to provide a fresh approach to families before, during and beyond the funeral experience.

The natural empathy of our staff comes from their experience with diverse situations involving the loss of loved ones. Distinct Funerals focuses on working in partnership with the family, to adhere to the wishes of the loved one who has passed.

​

Distinct Funerals believe that every funeral should be tailored around individual desires and needs, whether cultural, spiritual or personal. ​

Making decisions after the loss of a loved one can be confusing, difficult and stressful. Distinct will organise and guide you through every step to ease the burden.

​

Distinct's team offer a complete service from start to finish that is customised to meet your budget.

Contact Anneke & The Distinct Team on 03 218 9468 or [email protected]

A death has occurred.  

SLOW DOWN

Once the death has occurred and the doctor or police have been informed take your time to process and acknowledge your loss. 

You do not need to make any rash decisions.

Think carefully about the next steps.

Talk to your family and friends, and look for a funeral home which best suits your needs.

What should I do when my loved one passes...  

...in a care institution?  

As a basic rule, when someone dies in a hospital, rest home or hospice the next of kin is informed. 

The staff will ensure that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and Application for Cremation form (if applicable) will be done. 

We would recommend that your funeral home be notified as soon as you get advised of the death.

...at home?  

 If your loved one passes at home you need to inform the doctor as soon as possible so a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be issued, a certified nurse practitioner is allowed to do this as well. 

If your family member is at home under professional care, as a nurse or registered palliative caregiver, they will arrange the paperwork with the doctor when the death occurs.

...and if the police are involved?  

When someone dies unexpectedly, suspiciously or accidentally at a hospital, workplace, home or public place the police must be called to investigate the cause of death.  

After the post-mortem examination has been completed, and legal processes concluded, the coroner may authorize the return of the body to the family/funeral home for further care.  

Who to notify?

• Next of kin and family members.
• Solicitor or Executor of the will. 
• Funeral Home.

It is important to have some contingency plan when the death of a friend or family member is imminent. 

This "little planning" will help you to avoid some extra stress during the grief process.

Please, call or email us if you need further information.