No Funerals allowed in NZ during Level Four Lockdown

Currently in NZ, because of this unprecedented national situation,  we cannot have a funeral, gathering or tangi ( private or public) because of Covid-19 lockdown THOSE IMMEDIATE FAMILY WITHIN THE PERSONS BUBBLE CAN VIEW OR OBSERVE BURIAL.  It is a difficult time dealing with the grief of your love one anyhow but not being able to farewell in the way you wish, with all the people you wish,  can be distressing and heartbreaking. I have included some ideas to pay tribute to your loved one below. 
If you would like some support, I am here to offer guidance, help or officiating via skype, phone, zoom or FaceTime, for those that want to pay tribute and celebrate their loved one.
I am a listening ear and can guide you if you find yourself in this difficult position. 

During Level 4 lockdown,
the following services are not operating: 
o Chapel services 
o Graveside services 
o Cremation charge viewings 
o Collection of ashes – there is no public collection of ashes.

Remember restrictions will be lifted and gatherings will be possible at a later date. 
There are still some things you could choose to do to honour and farewell your loved one. Some of the following ideas might be helpful at this time. 

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Connecting on the internet for a tribute 

Technology nowadays means you can connect through the internet. FaceTime, Skype and Zoom are just a few good options.
Zoom allows a large group of people to see each other easily for up to 40 minutes with the free account.  Each household can connect and and see other each other for support.
For more information on what to do when a loved ones dies during Level Four you can  download a brochure from funeral directions association of NZ

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Bringing it all together for tribute

You can create your tribute anyway you wish.                        

• ​OPENING                                      This could be a song, prayer, hymn or reading/poem that the person whose life you are remembering enjoyed. You can sing yourselves altogether  or play music from a device. 
• LIFE STORY and MEMORIES                     Have a nominated person/s to share the events, milestones, achievements of your loved one.  
• SHARE PHOTO'S, SPECIAL TRINKETS AND DRAWINGS                            Young ones can draw a favourite memory or picture to feel involved. Each person can take turns to hold the photo/s, pictures or cellphone with the picture up to the screen for everyone to see.  You may wish to play a favourite song of your loved one or have people talk about the memory/picture.  You have have had people create something in their memory ie: A mandala (as shown) and this could be shown during the time. 
• CLOSING                                          There are many options you could consider to the final part of the tribute. You may finish with a poem, reading or song.  Pour a cup of tea and enjoy their favourite bikkie or slice. Have a toast altogether with their favourite drink. 
• FINAL WORDS                             That last sentence  can often be the hardest to find the right words.  You may wish to do something symbolic like blow out a candle, bow, pray or have a minute silence. 

Sadly there will be 1000's of people that will be faced saying goodbye to their loved one,  friends and colleague.  Know that you can be begin the important process of grieving by having a small tribute. You can all get together at a later date for a memorial to have a real celebration of life for them.

If you would like some support, I am here to offer guidance, help or officiating via skype, phone, zoom or FaceTime, for those that want to pay tribute and celebrate their loved one.
I am a listening ear and can guide you if you find yourself in this difficult position. 
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We can connect online or by phone and take about your loved one and start planning their memorial. I can write a memorial service for you to have ready for when the lockdown is lifted.   
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Let's connect via phone or email to discuss what you need.I aim to assist you in anyway I can to create a ceremony that is fitting for your loved one.
​The family have enough to deal with and want to know that loved one will represented how they wish. 
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I offer a free no obligation meeting to discuss what you need. ​