— Funeral costs & pricing guide
Helping your family plan with confidence.
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, particularly when it is unexpected. Our aim is to make cost clear and simple to understand, so you can make decisions with confidence, and without financial uncertainty adding to an already difficult time.
We take pride in making sure our families know exactly what the funeral will cost on the day of the service. No hidden fees, no surprises, just clear and respectful guidance from the very beginning.
How much does a funeral cost?
The cost of a funeral can vary, depending on the choices you make, much like building a house or buying a car. Some funerals are simple, while others include additional elements such as flowers, service sheets, catering, or larger services. Council fees for burial or cremation also vary by region.
At Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, we aim to be clear and transparent about pricing so families feel informed and supported when making decisions. We believe you should understand what to expect, with straightforward information and no unexpected costs. We know grief is difficult, and financial uncertainty should not add to that burden.
We also take care to respect your budget. If costs begin to move beyond what was discussed, we will talk this through with you and offer thoughtful options to help bring things back into line, without compromising what matters most to you or your family.
If you choose not to proceed with our services after early professional services have been provided, such as transfer into our care, after-hours attendance, embalming, or other services carried out at your request, an invoice will be issued for costs incurred up to that point.
funeral price guide
We have created a clear and easy-to-understand price guide, which includes options for:
Cremation or burial without a funeral service
Full funeral services for 50 or 100 guests
If cost is a factor, please talk with us. We are here to help you find a solution that is respectful, appropriate, and manageable.
— Funeral pricing GUIDE
Open about cost, from the very start.
We believe families deserve clarity, not surprises. The figures below are a guide to help you plan. A clear, written estimate is always prepared and talked through during the arrangement, so you understand every cost before you decide.
Direct Cremation - From
$4,540
An unattended cremation without a service, carried out with the same care and dignity.
Cremation with a Service - TYPICALLY
$10,000 - $13,000
A full service, varying with guests, catering, casket, care and the touches you choose.
Burial without a Service - From
$8,400
A graveside or unattended burial. Plot purchase is additional and varies by cemetery.
Burial with a Service - TYPICALLY
$13,500 - $16,000
A full service and burial, shaped around your family's wishes and the life being honoured.
Indicative only. A written estimate is provided at the time of arrangement.
Council & cemetery fees
Set by the council, and vary by location.
Palmerston North
Palmerston North City Council
Burial and cremation fees for Kelvin Grove Cemetery and Crematorium, including single plots, cremations and interment, are set by Palmerston North City Council.
Feilding
Manawatū District Council
For burials in Feilding and the surrounding district, cemetery fees are set by the Manawatū District Council and apply to its cemeteries across the area.
What shapes the cost
The elements that make up a farewell.
A funeral is made of many parts. You choose which matter most to your family, and we cost each one clearly.
Professional service, guidance and arrangement
Transfer into our care and after-hours attendance
Care of your loved one, including embalming if chosen
Casket or coffin
Use of our chapel, venue and facilities
Celebrant or member of the clergy
Flowers and tributes
Order of service and printing
Catering and refreshments
Livestreaming and recording
Funeral vehicles
Newspaper and online notices
Council burial or cremation fees
GET IN TOUCH
(06) 355 2529
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Questions families often ask.
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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.
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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.
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Repatriation involves returning the deceased to their place of origin. Cotton Funerals has extensive experience in managing repatriations, handling all aspects meticulously, including liaising with consulates and handling documentation.
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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.
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With over 50 years of service to the 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.
Here when you need us
We take pride in ensuring our families know exactly what the funeral will cost on the day of the service - no hidden fees, no surprises, just clear and respectful guidance from the beginning..
Day or night, in Palmerston North or Feilding — one call is all it takes to begin.
Contact Us