At Tong & Peryer Funeral Directors, one of the most meaningful things we hear after a service is:
“That was just what Mum would have wanted.”
“She would have loved this.”
“That suited Dad down to a tee.”
These words matter because they tell us the farewell truly reflected the life of the person at its heart. Every person is unique — so every funeral should be unique too. That’s why we don’t offer standard “funeral packages.” Instead, we work alongside families to shape farewells that are personal, uplifting, and memorable.
Why We Don’t Offer Funeral Packages
In many places, you’ll see funerals advertised as pre-set packages: bronze, silver, or gold options that you choose from a list. While this may feel simple, we believe it risks making funerals impersonal.
At Tong & Peryer, we start with a very different question: “Who was your person?”
- What made them laugh?
- What places or music did they love?
- What mattered most to them in life?
By beginning with their story, every choice — the celebrant, the flowers, the music, even the style of transport — flows naturally from who they were. Funerals are not about what they “should” look like. They’re about what feels true to the person being honoured.
Personalised Funerals in New Zealand
Across New Zealand, more families are choosing funerals that are personalised and meaningful. Some want to follow cultural traditions that have been handed down through generations. Others want something completely different, from a relaxed gathering in the garden to a beachside memorial service.
Personalisation might mean:
- Choosing a celebrant who can tell stories in a way that feels warm and familiar
- Selecting music from a favourite band or hymns that bring comfort
- Decorating the service with meaningful symbols, colours, or personal items
- Hosting the farewell in a special place — a marae, a church, a family farm, or even a local park
The important thing is that the farewell reflects the individual. No two lives are the same, so no two funerals should be either.
Guidance Every Step of the Way
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are raw and decisions come quickly. That’s where we step in. At Tong & Peryer, each family is supported by one dedicated funeral director who guides them through the entire process.
Our role is to:
- Provide clear, uncomplicated explanations of the options available
- Liaise with celebrants, florists, venues, and other providers on your behalf
- Ensure every detail — big and small — is carefully managed
- Offer open, honest answers so you can make informed choices
This guidance gives families the confidence to focus less on logistics and more on creating a farewell that feels right.
The Healing Power of a Personal Farewell
Research and experience both tell us that funerals are not only about honouring the person who has died — they are also about supporting the people who remain. A personalised, meaningful funeral can provide a sense of healing, connection, and comfort.
When families take part in shaping the farewell, it often leads to moments of reflection, laughter, and even joy as they share stories and memories. These experiences can be just as important as the service itself.
That’s why we see funerals as life’s final celebration, not simply an obligation to be endured. Done well, they bring people together and create lasting memories that families hold onto long after the day has passed.
Your Choices Are Limitless
At Tong & Peryer, we make sure you know just how many options are available. Whether you prefer a traditional funeral service or something more unconventional, the possibilities are wide open.
Choices might include:
- Service type: traditional funeral, memorial, natural burial, cremation, or repatriation
- Venue: funeral home chapel, church, marae, garden, beach, or private property
- Transport: classic hearse, motorcycle sidecar, horse-drawn carriage, or something unique
- Celebration style: formal, relaxed, intimate, or large-scale
- Personal touches: memory tables, photo displays, video tributes, or live music
Each element becomes a way to express the story of the person being honoured.
Beyond the Day of the Funeral
A funeral is just one part of the journey. At Tong & Peryer, our care doesn’t end when the service does. We remain available to families afterwards, offering guidance, connection, and a community of support.
Because grief doesn’t follow a timetable. Sometimes what people need most comes after the farewell, when the world feels quieter and support feels further away. That’s why our doors stay open.
Every Farewell is Personal
Every person has a story worth telling, and every life deserves to be honoured in a way that feels authentic. At Tong & Peryer, we believe funerals should be more than a formality — they should be personal, meaningful, and deeply human experiences.
So when we hear those words — “She would have loved this” or “That was Dad down to a tee” — we know we’ve helped create something truly special.
If you’d like to learn more about planning a personalised funeral in New Zealand, or simply have questions about what’s possible, our team is here to help.
👉 Contact us today to begin the conversation.
