— Planning ahead
A gift of clarity, for the people you love.
Setting down your wishes now spares your family from having to guess later. Pre-planning is a calm, unhurried conversation, and one of the most thoughtful things you can do for those you leave behind.
— Why plan ahead
A little planning now, a great kindness later.
When the time comes, those you love can simply gather, support one another, and remember a life, without the weight of difficult decisions.
Whether you are thinking about rest home care for a family member, beginning to consider your own retirement, or simply someone who likes to be prepared, planning ahead removes uncertainty at the hardest possible moment.
It is a quiet act of care: your wishes known, your family unburdened, and nothing left to guesswork in the middle of grief.
Two ways to plan ahead
Choose what feels right for you, today.
No cost · No obligation
Record your wishes
Simply write down what matters to you, so your family isn't left wondering. Our My Funeral Wishes pack guides you through the decisions, at your own pace, in your own home.
Burial or cremation, and the kind of service you'd like
Music, readings and personal touches that feel like you
The practical details your family will need
Yours to keep, with no commitment of any kind
Funeral Trust
Pre-pay your funeral
Set funds aside securely, in trust and in your name, so your funeral is provided for and your family never has to find the money at a difficult time.
Held safely in an ANZ Funeral Trust account, separate from our business
A minimum deposit of $500, added to whenever suits you
Up to $10,000 exempt from Residential Care Subsidy asset testing
No ongoing premiums and no medical checks
— Why pre-pay
When someone passes, money can be surprisingly hard to reach.
Prepaying means your funeral is already covered and paid for, sparing your family financial uncertainty on top of their grief.
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Access can be restricted as soon as a death is registered.
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The legal process of settling an estate is rarely quick.
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Particularly where a coroner is involved.
At the very moment a family needs to act, funds are often locked away. Pre-paying removes that worry entirely.
— The journey
Three gentle steps to peace of mind.
STAGE 1
Consultation
MEET, DISCUSS, choose
Schedule a funeral pre-arrangement meeting with one of our funeral directors to explore options available including your choice to be buried or cremated, document any preferences, and gather necessary details for Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
STAGE 2
Financial Planning
clarity, trust
A Funeral Trust Plan allows you to set money aside, in trust, for your final farewell or for that of a loved one. Prepaying towards a funeral means when the time comes loved ones can gather together, support one another, and remember and celebrate a life, without the responsibility of making difficult choices in very emotional circumstances.
STAGE 3
Peace of Mind
confidence, comfort
With every detail prearranged, find comfort in knowing your loved ones can focus on celebrating your life, supported by our unwavering care.
Supporting your journey of preparation.
If you’re considering rest home care for a parent or family member or starting to think about your own retirement, it’s a good time to explore your options.
A funeral prepayment with Cotton Funeral Directors is a practical way to plan ahead and ease the burden on your family when the time comes.
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The reality is, when someone passes, money can be incredibly hard to access:
Bank accounts may be frozen
Probate can take months
Funeral insurance payouts are often delayed, especially when the coroner is involved
At a time when families are already grieving, financial uncertainty is the last thing they need. Prepaying for your funeral is a way to give your family peace of mind, knowing your wishes are covered and paid for.
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Your funds are held securely in an ANZ Funeral Trust Management Account, separate from our business and under your name.
A minimum deposit of $500 is required and can be added to.
Funds (up to $10,000) are exempt from the Residential Care Subsidy asset testing
Your money remains in trust until needed
Any unused balance is refunded to your estate
No ongoing premiums or medical checks required
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We’ll meet with you to talk through your preferences and answer any questions. Together, we will:
Record the key details needed for official documentation
Discuss any personal touches you’d like included—music, flowers, readings
Provide a funeral estimate based on your wishes
Provide you with a certificate of participation that you can attach to your will documents or pass on to your solicitor for safe keeping.
Personalisation is at the heart of what we do.
At Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, we believe the most meaningful farewells are those that truly reflect the individuality of the person being honoured.
Our goal is simple: to help every family personalise the service in a way that feels right for them. No matter your budget, there are so many thoughtful and creative ways to add that extra touch.
From custom casket designs and floral sprays made with flowers from the home garden to meaningful hobby items or even having the family dog present, we’re here to make each farewell personal, comforting, and memorable.
Funeral Directors in
Palmerston North
697 Main Street, Terrace End
Palmerston North 4414
Call our Palmerston North team
Funeral Directors in
Feilding
29 Beattie Street, Feilding 4702
Formerly William Cotton & Sons
Call our Feilding team