Simple Direct Funerals

12/04/2026

New on our website — Oak Tree Urn.

A one-off full-size cremation urn with laser engraved oak tree design, contrasting timber lid and base, and a strong handmade look.

$400 incl GST and postage.

One-off full-size cremation urn with laser engraved oak tree design, contrasting timber lid and base, and screw-fixed base access. Handmade in NZ.

08/04/2026

New SDF cremation urns are now online.

Each urn is a one-off piece, individually made and completely unique. No mass production. No repeats. When one is gone, it’s gone.

See the range here:
https://sdfunerals.nz/cremation-urns-nz

06/04/2026

New SDF vehicle - signwriting by Andrew Healey Signs and Tinted windows by Tintz Tasman. Great work by locals. Images are Mt Arthur Rangers and Matariki Stars. Overall design - me :-)

17/03/2026

Burial is still the right choice for many families.

It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A simple graveside burial can be a practical and meaningful way to say goodbye.

I’ve written a short explanation of how it works for families in Nelson & Tasman.

Simple burial services in Nelson & Tasman explained. Clear pricing, practical guidance, and personal support to help families arrange a respectful burial.

22/02/2026

Mondays are a great reset 🌿

Monday mornings in Richmond always feel like a good time to reset. As the sun comes up over the hills, it’s a reminder that no matter how busy the week ahead looks, there is value in keeping things simple.

At Simple Direct Funerals, our focus is always on the essentials: being there for our families and supporting our Nelson and Tasman neighbors with a straightforward, grounded approach.

Take a breath, keep it simple, and take the week one step at a time.

Wishing our local community a peaceful and productive Monday.

— Owen
Simple Direct Funerals
📍 5 Talbot St, Richmond
🌐 sdfunerals.nz

20/02/2026

Is embalming necessary?

Many families assume it is.
In most New Zealand funerals, it isn’t.

Embalming is not legally required in most cases — and there are respectful alternatives, including refrigeration and natural care.

We’ve arranged hundreds of funerals without embalming, allowing families to say goodbye peacefully and without unnecessary intervention.

If you’re unsure what your options are, this guide explains it clearly.

🔗 Read more: https://sdfunerals.nz/do-you-have-to-embalm-natural-and-practical-options-in-nz/

05/02/2026

On a more serious note here is Frankie's Monthly Newsletter. He said it's only going to be monthly because he's got other things to do...

04/02/2026

SDF Library - Removed / Closed
Unfortunately we have made the decision to remove the library. After it was vandalised, we repaired it ready to be open today, but overnight it was damaged again and the other glass door smashed and the whole thing tipped over. It is such a shame because I know there were heaps of people who loved using it. We are gutted and have no idea why someone targeted us.

01/02/2026

Gutted to say our little community “SDF Library” got vandalised last night.
Someone kicked it over and one of the glass panes is now missing.

It’s a small thing, but lots of locals use it — take a book, leave a book — and it’s been a really neat wee community swap spot.

If anyone (or a local glazier / business) wants to donate a piece of toughened glass to replace the missing pane, we’d be massively grateful:
✅ 248mm x 198mm

We’d love to get it sorted properly rather than boarding it up.

No drama, no witch-hunt, no GoFundMe link — we just want to get it repaired and back to normal quickly.
Comment here or message me if you can help. 📚❤️

29/01/2026

When AI goes wrong… 😬
We let AI write a funeral ad… and it didn’t go well.

This video is not SDF-approved. We do not offer dance-party funerals.

26/01/2026

14/01/2026

💭 Thinking about a DIY or family-led funeral?
You’re not alone. Many families today want to know what’s really possible — legally, practically, and emotionally — when someone dies.

Our latest blog breaks it all down: what the law says, what families can do themselves, and where a funeral director still makes life easier (or cheaper, believe it or not).

Read it here:

Do you need a funeral director in NZ? Learn what’s legal, how DIY and family-led funerals work, and when direct cremation is the simplest option.