http://www.robertjcotton.co.nz/

Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, 697 Main Street, Palmerston North (2026)

28/03/2026

F U N E R A L P R E P A Y M E N T

I was chatting to a friend the other day at one of our local shops, and she had no idea funeral prepayments were even a thing.

She was surprised you can actually put money aside specifically for funeral costs. It’s actually really common when people are retiring and have savings available.

As we got talking, I mentioned we’ve been doing this a long time, so it’s something we guide people through often. A funeral prepayment is quite different to funeral insurance. Insurance is risk based. You can pay premiums for years, sometimes decades, and end up paying far more than what’s paid out, with nothing coming back. We’ve also seen situations where payouts go to a named beneficiary and aren’t used for funeral costs at all.

With a funeral prepayment, what you put in is your money and is available when it’s needed. If the funeral costs more, the difference is paid at the time. If it costs less, the balance goes back to your estate.

Up to $10,000 is exempt from Residential Care Subsidy asset testing, which is why many people choose to set aside that amount. A minimum deposit of $500 is required to get started.

If you’d like to know more, visit our website or book a chat with our team to start the conversation.

24/03/2026

T H E N A N D N O W

Does anyone recognise this building? 👀Take a guess, where do you think this is?

20/03/2026

F U N E R A L F A S H I O N

Because funeral fashion isn’t just for the ladies.. I thought Steve looked rather dapper in his hat and outfit, what do you think?

19/03/2026

I N L O V I N G M E M O R Y

In loving memory of John Robert Anderson, 12 November 1952 – 21 February 2026.

John passed away unexpectedly at the blokart track in Sanson, a place that meant a great deal to him. He had been sailing and racing that day, and for his family and friends there is some comfort in knowing he was doing something he loved.

Upon leaving the Sanson track, our funeral director Nate Mitchell, who attended the transfer, knew it wouldn’t feel right to just drive off. Instead, he did a slow final victory lap in honour of John while 'Wish You Were Here' by Pink Floyd played, creating a moment that was both special and fitting.

For John’s memorial service, his family and friends set up his much-loved blokart in our chapel as a tribute to his passion. As guests left the chapel, they were invited to pay their respects to John, who had chosen to be cremated before his service.

John was dearly loved by his wife, Raewyn, and by his family: Ian and Lisa, Rob and Cath, Stuart and Grant, Olivia and Kaleb, along with his wider family and many friends. His enthusiasm for life and the joy he shared will be remembered always.

The Manawatu Blokart Club will be holding a Blokart Sailing “Have a Go Day” on 29 March, from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Further information can be found here: https://manawatunz.co.nz/events/blokart-sailing-have-a-go-day/

Funeral Director: Hayden Cotton
Funeral Celebrant: Llew King
Funeral Photography: Kylie Cotton

23/02/2026

L O L A T H E F U N E R A L T H E R A P Y D O G

19/02/2026

S U N D A Y 2 : 3 0 P M - T V F I L M I N G

🎥 Volunteers Needed This Sunday at 2:30 PM 🎥

We’re looking for people willing to attend a staged funeral service this Sunday at 2:30 pm in our Chapel at 697 Main Street, Terrace End, Palmerston North.

An Australian TV production company will be filming for the upcoming series Dog Jobs, featuring Lola, our Funeral Therapy Dog. We’ll be recreating a funeral setting in our chapel to showcase the important role Lola plays in supporting families during funerals.

To help create a natural and authentic atmosphere, we’re inviting members of our community to join us as guests for the service. If you’re available for around an hour and are comfortable being on camera, we would love to have you involved.

✨ Feel free to dress in funeral fashion, formal, or smart casual attire, just as you would when attending a real service.
📵 During filming, we ask guests not to use mobile phones or take photos/videos, as we want the setting to feel as authentic as possible.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so we can have everyone seated and ready before filming begins.

Will I get to meet Lola?
Yes, you will see Lola during filming. Due to tight timing, we can’t guarantee everyone will be able to give her a pat. However, Lola is at our premises most days, and you’re always welcome to pop in and say hello; she’s always happy to meet visitors.🐾

If you’re keen to help, please comment below or send us a message.

17/02/2026

I N L O V I N G M E M O R Y

In Loving Memory of Bruce Mervyn Spencer, 14 March 1938 – 27 August 2025.

"Always find a reason to laugh. It may not add years to your life, but it will surely add life to your years."

Dearly loved husband and best friend of Joan. Loved and loving father of Jackie, Geoff and Kelsey, Rachel and Steve. Loved stepfather of Mike and Cara, Wal and Jubes, Christine and Sam, Graeme and Eva. A proud and much-loved grandad Bruce.

Following the funeral service, guests formed a guard of honour as Bruce was transported from our chapel to our catering lounge on his son Geoff’s NZ V8 Holden Ute - a vehicle that played a special part in Bruce’s life.

In a tribute to his dad, Geoff wrote: “Brucie was the rock of Team 22 – team manager, chief engineer, tyre technician, and number one car detailer. Racing gave Dad purpose. He loved the environment and always had a great sense of humour. We will miss his banter and his presence, both on and off the racetrack.”

Bruce will be remembered as loving, tolerant, positive, caring, supportive, and a wise counsel.❤️

Funeral Director: Hayden Cotton
Funeral Photography: Kylie Cotton

13/02/2026

I N L O V I N G M E M O R Y

In loving memory of Kenneth Mark Simonsen “Simo”, 29 August 1954 – 8 February 2026.

Well, we’ve never had a man arrive by boat to one of our funeral services before… until Simo.

Such an awesome funeral service and celebration of his life as family and friends paid tribute to a much-loved Dad, Partner, Brother, Grandfather, Friend and an all-round good kiwi bloke.

'When I Am Gone' – Lyman Hancock

When I come to the end of my journey,
And I travel my last weary mile.
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only my smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun.
Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.

Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay.

And come in the shade of the evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.

Funeral Director: Brent Le Quesne
Funeral Celebrant: Llew King
Funeral Photography: Kylie Cotton

03/02/2026

I N L O V I N G M E M O R Y

In loving memory of Jeanette Nancy Boddy, 4 September 1956 to 30 July 2025.

Jeanette, the dearly loved wife of Rev. Ian Boddy, was farewelled at the Wesley Methodist Broadway Church, a place she loved, surrounded by family and friends she cherished.

What was especially meaningful to capture was the Tongan ngatu (tapa cloth), which was presented as a gift. Ngatu is traditionally made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree, which is softened, beaten, and joined to form a cloth, before being decorated with hand-painted designs and motifs. It symbolises honour, generosity, and respect, particularly at funerals.

The Whatu Moenga Rattan casket by Windsor Industries was a natural and thoughtful choice. Made from a highly renewable material and lined with plant-based fibres, it reflected simplicity and care for the environment. Paired with the Tongan ngatu presented as a gift, the combination was simply beautiful and dignified.

The funeral service commenced with the casket open, allowing family and guests the opportunity to pay their respects to Jeanette before the lid was placed on the casket.

Set beneath the church’s warm, angled timber ceilings, the farewell felt calm, gentle, and beautiful. A service we will never forget.

Funeral Director: Hayden Cotton
Funeral Venue: Wesley Broadway Methodist Church
Funeral Photography: Kylie Cotton

26/01/2026

S C H O O L V I S I T

Back in October, Sage, a student from Glen Oroua School, got in touch to ask if she could interview our funeral director, Lou, for a magazine she was creating as her chosen class project.

In December, before the school holidays began, we visited Glen Oroua School near Rongotea, around 20 minutes west of Palmerston North. Sage did an amazing job, confidently presenting what she had put together to Lou in front of her class.

Lola, our Funeral Therapy Dog, hadn’t been to school before and was also keen to join in on the class visit. She quickly became the centre of attention at lunchtime, with students gathering to watch her drive around the tennis court in her Lexus.

We had a lot of fun and truly appreciated the opportunity to visit and connect with the students. Thank you to Ms Crawford for having us, and well done, Sage, on an informative and thoughtful magazine project!

04/11/2025

3 0 Y E A R S S E R V I C E A W A R D

This week, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate Hayden Cotton’s 30 Years of Service Award, presented by the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ).

From a young age, Hayden knew he wanted to be a funeral director, just like his dad and grandad. While classmates laughed, Hayden stayed true to that calling. In 1995, he began working alongside his father in Palmerston North, often heading to the funeral home straight after finishing his courier job. Thirty years on, he represents the fourth generation of the Cotton family to serve this community, with roots tracing back to William Cotton in Feilding.

Among his team, Hayden is known as “Maximiser” a reflection of his talent for refining processes and striving for excellence. His top strength, consistency, means he treats everyone with the same fairness and respect, while his harmony allows him to stay calm under pressure, showing patience and kindness when families need it most.

For Hayden, his “why” is simple: to make things easier for families. His greatest pride comes from feedback that a loved one looked better than they had in their final days, a sign of the care and dignity he pours into his work.

Together with his wife, Kylie and their outstanding team, he is proud to continue the Robert J. Cotton legacy in Palmerston North, blending tradition with modern approaches to ensure families receive the very best in funeral care.

We’re so proud of this achievement and grateful for the dedication Hayden brings to our team every single day.

29/10/2025

P R O B U S C L U B T A L K

On Thursday, Hayden and Kylie were invited to speak at the Terrace End Probus Club, held at the Palmerston North Community Leisure Centre on Ferguson Street. Around 70 guests joined us for an open and engaging conversation about the funeral process and how our team is helping shape positive change in the industry.

What we love most about these occasions is hearing the questions people ask — we find it fascinating to know what people are thinking and what they want to understand more about, so we can guide and support them as best we can.

There was a lot of interest in natural burial options, and it was great to see that most attendees already had a will in place. It’s encouraging to know people are thinking about the future and the choices that feel right for them.

Opportunities like this also help put faces to the names in our business, building the trust and connection that mean so much to the families we’ve served for three generations.

And of course, no event is complete without Lola the Funeral Therapy Dog, who enjoyed mingling with guests and helping the ladies in the kitchen clean up a few crumbs! 🐾

We really value being part of a community that isn’t afraid to talk about the important stuff.

If your group or organisation would like us to host a similar session, we’d love to hear from you.

Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors

28/03/2026

24/03/2026

20/03/2026

19/03/2026

23/02/2026

19/02/2026

17/02/2026

13/02/2026

03/02/2026

26/01/2026

04/11/2025

29/10/2025

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