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FUNERAL PLANNING IN PALMERSTON NORTH & FEILDING

Compassionate Funeral Directors in Your Time of Need

Planning a farewell can feel like a great deal to carry, especially in the first days of grief. Our role is to hold the detail and the decisions, so you can be present with the people who matter. We have done this for Manawatū families for close to a hundred years, and we will guide you gently through every step.

Talk with our team

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In the first hours

There is rarely any need to do anything straight away.

Close-up of a branch with green berries and leaves, with a forest or park in the background illuminated by sunlight.

A group of six people and a dog posed for a photo in front of a gray barn-style door, with some sitting on a green vintage armchair, and others standing behind. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly a studio or office with modern decor.

If a death happens during the night, there is no need to rush. Your loved one can remain at home, and you are welcome to sit with them for as long as you need, until you feel ready to call. When someone passes in a hospital, hospice or rest home, the nursing staff will arrange the doctor's certificate for you.

When you are ready, a single call to us is all it takes to begin. We will bring your loved one into our care, at any hour, and gently take things from there.

In the event of a sudden, unexpected or accidental death at home, at work or in a public place the Police must be contacted first, and a coroner may be involved.

GET IN TOUCH

(06) 355 2529

COntact

Schedule a Call

STEP 1

First Point of Contact

funeral assistance

Contact is made to Cotton Funerals to advise of the death. We will organise the transfer of your loved one to our care.

Information required:

Caller details i.e., name, contact & relationship to the deceased.
Name of the deceased
Place of death
Whether a doctor has signed the required paperwork
Cremation or burial (if known)
If viewing or embalming is required
Preferred time and place to meet with a funeral director to discuss the funeral arrangements

STEP 2

Funeral Arrangement

Customised funeral plans

A meeting is held between the funeral director and the executor or next of kin to discuss funeral arrangements & wishes.

Items to bring:

Complete attire for the deceased
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
A photograph of the deceased can assist the funeral director in ensuring the loved one resembles their familiar appearance

On the day of burial or cremation, the death will be registered with Births, Deaths & Marriages for the issuance of the Death Certificate, which will be sent with the final funeral account.

STEP 3

Funeral Service

a Meaningful Farewell

Our dedicated team of funeral directors carefully coordinates each detail of the service, from the venue to the flowers and music, creating a distinct and lasting tribute that commemorates and celebrates the life that was lived.

The voice of our families

In the words of those we've cared for.

Read our Google Reviews

"Excellent service provided by Cottons. Nothing was a problem and they were very easy to deal with and gave me plenty of information To deal with a reasonably sudden death. This is the third time that we have engaged their services and we have been very happy with their service on every occasion. Thank you, Cottons"

— Sue Stewart
"We have spent a lot of time reflecting on just how beautiful our week was from the time Mum passed right through to the graveside service and the service at your Chapel. We do want to personally thank you Nate, you read our family well, from the hospital transfer directly to your care we knew she was in good hands. Your attention to detail and gentle manner was outstanding. Thank you just doesn’t express our gratitude."

— Maree - on behalf of Phyllis Whitelock’s family
"My heartfelt thanks to Hayden, Kylie and their staff, for their highly professional services, guidance, and compassion shown, whilst navigating what has been a very difficult time. Hayden and Kylie were always very contactable and helpful, also very kind, empathetic, and respectful. They go the extra mile, and I would highly recommend their services to others. On behalf of all my family, thank you all so much."

— Mel Theodore
"I cannot fault the amazing care that Hayden and the Cotton family provided for my dearest father. As a big Samoan family, and also with my dad being a Pastor and well known within the community, Hayden met all of our cultural needs and was so respectful and attentive to our requirements. Anything I wanted and needed, Hayden didn’t hesitate to make it happen. Having a humble, kind-hearted funeral director really does make all the difference to a grieving family, and knowing my dad was in the best hands during his last week on earth gives me so much peace."

— Victoria Tongatu'a

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Funeral Directors in

Palmerston North

697 Main Street, Terrace End
Palmerston North 4414

Call our Palmerston North team

(06) 355 2529

View Location

A vintage black car with a custom license plate reading 'COTTONS' parked on a tree-lined street during fall, with leaves scattered on the ground and colorful autumn foliage overhead.

Funeral Directors in

Feilding

29 Beattie Street, Feilding 4702
Formerly William Cotton & Sons

Call our Feilding team

(06) 355 2529

View Location

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Questions families often ask.

In most cases, there is no need to start making funeral arrangements immediately. If it is the middle of the night or early hours in the morning, it can be nicer for the loved one to stay in bed so relatives can take the time to come to terms with the passing and may want to visit, before the doctor has completed the required paperwork.
When a family member dies in a hospital, hospice or rest home, Nursing staff will ensure a doctor completes the Medical Certificate of Causes of Death form and the Application for Cremation form (if applicable).
If the death is unexpected, sudden or accidental death at home, hospital, work or public place, the Police must be contacted who will engage a coroner for a former investigation.
Our experienced funeral directors offer personalized consultations to help families with funeral planning by advising options available, pricing, coordinating funeral arrangements and recording personal details and wishes.
Direct cremation without a funeral service starts from $4,600. The average cost of a cremation with a funeral service ranges from $10-13K depending on the number of guests, catering, service sheets, casket, care and preservation, etc. A cost estimate will be provided and discussed at the time of the funeral arrangement.
Burial involves the purchase of a plot, so there are more costs involved. A burial without a service starts from $8,100. The average cost of a burial with a funeral service ranges between $13-15K. Again, this depends on the amount of arrangements, time and guests involved. A cost estimate will be provided at the conclusion of the funeral arrangement.
Absolutely. We believe in celebrating the uniqueness of each life lived. Our team works closely with families to incorporate personal touches, ensuring the service reflects the individual’s personality, beliefs, and values.
Our team assists with all legal and administrative aspects, including obtaining death certificates, medical paperwork and applications for burial or cremation with the respective city council. We aim to ease this burden, ensuring precision and timeliness in handling these tasks.
We offer comprehensive pre-planning services, allowing individuals to document their wishes and provide peace of mind to loved ones. Reach out to our team to discuss options and begin the pre-planning process. You can see more information here.
Repatriation involves returning the deceased to their place of origin. Robert J. Cotton has extensive experience in managing repatriations, handling all aspects meticulously, including liaising with consulates and handling documentation.
We are proficient in serving diverse ethnic communities respecting and honouring various cultural and religious practices. Our trained staff ensures each service is tailored to meet the unique customs of every family.
While our commitment lies in delivering exceptional products and services, it's important to note that we do not offer financial services or assist with payment plans. We kindly request that funeral accounts be settled within 30 days of the funeral date; beyond this timeframe, finance charges may apply. You can have confidence in our expertise in funeral directing, as we remain steadfast in delivering the utmost quality funeral services to cater to your unique needs.
With nearly 100 years of service to the Manawatū community, we are committed to providing professional, compassionate, and personalised care. As proud members of the Funeral Directors Association of NZ, we uphold the highest standards in every service, offering peace of mind to the families we serve.