Simple Direct Funerals

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

18/01/2026

Our new staff writer for 2026.... not sure about this

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.

30/12/2025

Last 2025 edition of Harry's Handy Hints

17/12/2025

Cremation vs burial in New Zealand: which is cheaper, and what’s included?

Families often ask this when trying to plan well and keep costs under control. In our latest blog, we explain:
• whether cremation is usually cheaper than burial
• what a cremation package typically includes
• common additional fees to be aware of
• how burial can still be arranged at a very low cost with the right options

Read the blog here: https://sdfunerals.nz/is-cremation-cheaper-than-burial-costs-whats-included/

Is cremation cheaper than burial in NZ? Compare real costs, what cremation packages include, common extras, and low-cost burial options.

02/12/2025

We don’t make a big song and dance about what we do, but this one matters.

We’re proud to support native habitat restoration right here in our own backyard: the Lowland Brooklyn Hills Planting project in Tasman.

A genuine thank-you to the families we’ve worked with this year. Your trust allows us to give something meaningful back to the place we all call home.

14/10/2025

When someone passes away, knowing what paperwork needs to be done can feel overwhelming.
In New Zealand, every death must be officially registered — but many families aren’t sure where to start or what’s required. I’ve written a short guide explaining the process for Nelson and Tasman families, including who can register a death and how the Death Certificate works.

Read the full post here 👇

A clear, local guide to registering a death in Nelson and Tasman. Learn what forms you need, who can register, and how to get a Death Certificate.