Kapiti Coast Funeral Home

22/01/2026

"1 in 2 New Zealanders don't have a Will"

If that's you have a watch of - Keep the Change Podcast from
Jan 11, 2026 (https://www.youtube.com/)

"Warning you may be shocked"

1 in 2 New Zealanders don't have a will. That means when they die, their family gets chaos, uncertainty, and massive legal bills to sort everything out.

Holly from Succession NZ breaks down what actually happens: default rules kick in that split assets between partners and kids (not how most people want it), court applications cost thousands, and families fight over who's in charge. We cover the $40,000 threshold that freezes your Kiwisaver, why getting married cancels your will, and the retirement village fees that shock every family.

The brutal reality? Your inheritance can become relationship property if your kids don't protect it properly. Your parents' house could end up half-owned by an ex-partner.

1 in 2 New Zealanders don't have a will. That means when they die, their family gets chaos, uncertainty, and massive legal bills to sort everything out.Holly...

22/01/2026

The True Cost of Death in New Zealand: President of Funeral Directors Association Bradley Shaw
Life is shorter than you think.

In this powerful podcast episode, Bradley unpacks:

the real economics of death
why funeral directors often absorb unpaid funeral costs
why 1 in 5 people are skipping funerals entirely
how funerals have changed from cabinet-making to event management
and why so many people feel deeper grief for pets than humans
Bradley says every funeral reminds him:
"Life’s short… why am I holding back?"

The research is clear — 70% of people find funerals valuable in starting their grief journey.
But the deeper message?
We all get one life… and we don’t know how long we’ve got.

Watch the full episode here:

Bradley Shaw has been around death since he was 16. Now he's the youngest president of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand and sees something mo...

14/01/2026

Short video all about us and some of the services we provide.
Chapels, Crematorium, Function Lounges, Catering, Transport, Ashes Memorials, Caskets and so much more, but it all start with having the right staff here to help you when it matters

07/01/2026

Your first call should be either to a Funeral Director or the police
Who to call when someone has died depends on the circumstances of the death, and where the death occurred.

The most important step is to confirm the death and for an appropriate medical professional to ascertain the cause of the death. After this step, the funeral director of your choice can arrange transport of the person to their funeral home, arrange after-care and await your further instructions.

The Funeral DirectorFirst callFirst meeting with the funeral directorWho has authority?Navigating funeral planning and estate administrationInformation to gatherResources

28/12/2025

What happens to people who die without any relatives to bury them?
When someone dies with no family or friends to claim them, who steps in — and what happens next? Read this thoughtful RNZ piece (republished by Scoop) story about “unclaimed” deaths and the quiet work that ensures every person is farewelled with dignity. Link in comments...

24/12/2025

Christmas Remembrance Service is available to watch online

15/12/2025

02/12/2025