cremation

‘We carry grief for people’: Francis Tipene on Life as a Casketeer

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Yep, there’s a book of the TV show and yep, it’s just as wonderful. In this extract, funeral director Francis Tipene explains why you don’t need to splurge on send-offs, how he keeps his act together – and why he cringes when people talk about ‘closure’.  Funerals don’t need to be expensive. People can choose … Read more

Auckland is to waive cremation fees for babies. Will other councils follow suit?

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Auckland Council has announced it is to waive fees for the cremation of babies under one year of age. Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes looks at the push for better community support for grieving whānau.  As of July 1 this year, Auckland Council will no longer charge cremation fees for babies under a year old. … Read more