Top Tip #12 for Bereavement Care
Hi there,
I am coming across more people who have been in the situation where a family member or friend has died and they need to call a Funeral Home or Funeral Director to come and help look after their loved one.
PROBLEM FOR SOME:
They don't know who to call.
They don't know really what that call means.
Anyone and Everyone are potentially going to have to be part of this process at some stage - making the call I mean or deciding with others who to call.
If you know who you would call, GREAT!
If you don't know who you would call, here is a list of things you might like to research about the Funeral Homes in your area, so you can make a decision you are happy with.
*Treat it like house buying, pop around a few places and find out who they are, and all about them.
* Firstly, who works there and who does what?
* Look at their premises - no two are the same.
* Ask for their prices - check if it includes or excludes GST.
* Ask who does their catering and then ask around if the caterers are good.
* Ask if they have a celebrant on staff. If they do, you need to know, you can use that celebrant or you can choose an independent one. (some people have told me they were not told they could choose someone else to be their celebrant).
* If they have a chapel available, ask to go and see it. You need to know that if you want to go to this chapel or that chapel - you have to go through the funeral directors who own it.
* If you phone a funeral home to come and collect your loved one, you are telling them that you are engaging them, and expecting them to look after you and follow your wishes. This could be from direct cremation right through to all the trimmings.
* Ask around as to who people have had excellent service from.
Whoever you phone, you should know who they are and have full confidence in them.
It is all about YOUR CHOICE. We make good choices when we know all the facts.
Lastly, if someone conducted a funeral service and you liked that person, chances are that Celebrant works with a number of Funeral Homes. If you want a particular Celebrant to assist you, then phone them directly, to start a conversation, or ask the Funeral Director to contact that Celebrant. And if you really want someone in particular, then find out when they are available before you set the date and time for a Service.
Just like the Earthquake Kit
GET SORTED AND GET THROUGH!
Kind regards to you all.
Hope you can enjoy the sun for a time today and that some of you have enjoyed the Hastings Blossom Parade! I Love all the Fun!
Rhonda Diprose
Funeral Celebrant Hawke's Bay
0278299984
Email: RhondaDiprose@gmail.com
Facebook: Funeral Celebrant Hawke's Bay Rhonda Diprose
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.9% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.3% Critical thinking
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29.2% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
The latest product recalls
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
⚠️Cereulide toxin risk in Nestlé brand Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) recalled due to the possible presence of the toxin cereulide
Nestlé Milo Dipped Snack Bars
BC Hot Water Bottles sold at Bargain Chemist
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Nature Baby Sleeping Gown
Product Recalls: Toys
Sensory Game Controller - sold at Kmart
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Outside Beauty & Skincare SPF 50+ Mineral Primer (2 batches)
Anessa and Shiseido Anessa sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Biore and Kao Biore sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Kose Sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Mentholatum sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Pigeon sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Rohto sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Product Recalls: Electronics
Harvest Right Freeze Dryer HRFDSBKP-PP sold at Costco
Product Recalls: Other
Michelin X Multi Z and X Line Energy Z, size: 355/50R22.5, load/speed index:156K
UPDATED GASGAS Motorcycles: GASGAS Cross Country and Motocross model motorcycles with BRAKTEC brake system. New VINS added
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
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