Pre-planning
Planning your own funeral is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for the people you love. It eases the pressure of decisions made in grief, ensures your wishes are honoured, and gives your family the freedom to simply focus on being together.
Making your wishes known in advance can bring comfort and clarity to your loved ones at a time when emotions may be running high and clear thinking isn’t so easy. Most families we speak to say that having a funeral plan already in place makes an enormous difference when the time comes.Â
Why Plan Ahead?
Pre-planning your funeral with Lamb & Hayward is entirely free. There’s no pressure to pre-pay, and you’re not locked in. You simply record what matters to you, and we hold it safely on file until it’s needed.
Your wishes, on record
Whether you're sharing a detailed vision for your farewell or simply recording your preference for burial or cremation â we'll keep everything securely on file. You can update it at any time.
One less stress for your family
Planning ahead can ease the pressure on your loved ones, giving them fewer decisions to make at an already difficult time.
Financial clarity, now
Understanding costs in advance can help you plan with confidence. You can choose to pre-pay if you wish, or simply get a clear picture of fees so there are no nasty surprises later.
Choices for Your Funeral
You choose how much detail to record. Some people prefer to note just the essentials. Others want to plan every element of their farewell. There’s no right or wrong approach.
- Burial or cremation preference
- Service style: traditional ceremony, small gathering, or something entirely your own)
- Preferred venue: one of our chapels at Westpark, Oaklands, or Wai-mana, your own church, or a community space
- Music, readings, or personal touches that reflect who you are
- Pallbearers, celebrant, or clergy preferences
- Casket or urn selection
- Eco-friendly or natural burial options
- Flowers, mementos, and keepsakes
- A visual presentation or tribute video
- Livestreaming for family who can’t be there in person
- Any cultural, spiritual, or tikanga wishes
A celebration of life
How Pre-planning Works
It’s simpler than you might expect.
Complete a Personal Profile Form
We’ll give you a form to record your wishes at your own pace. There’s no rush â include as much or as little detail as feels right.
Talk Through Your Wishes
If you’d like a little guidance, our team can talk you through your options and answer any questions. We’re happy to meet at your home or one of our locations.
We'll Keep Your Wishes on File
Once you’re happy with your plan, we’ll keep a record of your wishes securely on file, ready for when they’re needed.
Update Your Plan Whenever You Like
Circumstances change, and your wishes might too. Simply get in touch whenever you’d like to update your plan, at no extra cost.
Want to talk through the pre-planning process? Our team is happy to answer any questions you might have.
Pre-paying Your Funeral
Pre-planning and pre-paying are two separate things. You don’t need to do both, but if financial peace of mind matters to you, pre-payment is worth considering.
When you pre-pay with Lamb & Hayward, your money is held in the Lamb & Hayward Funeral Trustee Limited account with BNZ, completely separate from company funds. It earns interest daily. For funeral expenses, the funds can only be released on presentation of a death certificate and funeral account.
There are no fees to set up, manage, or exit your pre-payment plan.
Worth knowing: Pre-paid funerals up to $10,000 are currently excluded from asset testing under the Government’s residential care subsidy. For full details, visit Work and Income NZ.
If Circumstances Change
If you need to change or cancel your pre-payment plan, you can do so at any time in writing. We’ll provide a full refund within 40 days of cancellation. If there’s any money left after your funeral has been paid for, we’ll refund the balance to your estate within 30 days.
Questions about pre-planning?
Our team is here to help you explore your options and make a plan that feels right for you, at your own pace.
Getting Your Affairs in Order
Pre-planning your funeral naturally leads many people to think about the wider picture. Here are some other steps worth considering as you make your arrangements.
- Make or update your will
- Appoint an enduring power of attorney, someone you trust who can make certain decisions on your behalf if you’re no longer able to
- Gather important documents â e.g. birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, and banking details â and keep them somewhere accessible
- Talk openly with your family about your wishes
- Consider funeral insurance or savings if pre-payment doesn’t suit you right now
talk to our team
Ready to Plan Ahead?
Our funeral directors are here to help, not to rush you. We’ll take the time to listen, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable discussing your wishes. To get started, simply fill in as much or as little of our Personal Profile Record as you like, then get in touch with Carol to arrange an initial appointment.
Carol Hawker
Pre-planning specialist
A celebration of life
FAQs
Do I have to pre-pay if I pre-plan?
No, not at all. Pre-planning with Lamb & Hayward is completely free, with no obligation to pre-pay. You can simply record your wishes with us, or choose to pre-pay if you’d like to take care of the financial side in advance.
Can I change my pre-plan?
Absolutely. We understand that circumstances and wishes can change over time. You can update your pre-plan whenever you like, free of charge. Simply get in touch with our team and we’ll help you make any changes.
Does my family have to use Lamb & Hayward?
Your pre-plan is a record of your wishes, not a binding commitment to use Lamb & Hayward. Your family can make their own arrangements when the time comes, although we’d naturally be happy to help.
Supporting Families in Canterbury
Support & Guidance
Helpful information and compassionate advice to guide you through every step.
Here to Help You Plan Ahead
Every call is answered by a member of our Lamb & Hayward team.