In New Zealand there is a wide range of caskets (coffins) available. The options are either a shaped casket which is wider at the shoulders or a rectangular casket. Family members can choose a casket style and price to suit their needs and budget.

Caskets are ‘trimmed’ with interior lining and pillow, handles, inscribed nameplate, thumb screws and plates and other ornamentation that the family may request such as a cross, crucifix, Ratana Star, RSA or club emblem.

Caskets are constructed of either wood veneered customwood, painted customwood, solid timber or metal. Families with an artistic flair can customise their choice of casket, by decorating it with painted scenes or figures. Caskets for children and babies are traditionally white and usually made of customwood.

Adult caskets are manufactured to a standard size of 6’1" internal length, 22" width and 12" depth. Larger than standard size caskets, are available at an extra cost.

The Casket range has four main categories;

 BASIC - The simplest casket is made from customwood with no wood veneer or paint finish. It is optionally    available with ‘trimmed’ fittings (i.e. interior lining, handles, etc). This style is only suitable for use at a venue    where the casket can be wheeled on a trolley,as it is not designed to be carried by pallbearers. A coloured fabric    pall can be placed over the casket.

 STANDARD - A standard casket is made from customwood with a photographic wood veneer or paint finish.    They are fully trimmed, and come in a range of styles, veneer types and colours. These caskets can be        carried by pallbearers and are suitable for burial or cremation..

 COLOURED - A coloured casket is made from customwood with a high quality paint finish. They are fully    trimmed, and come in a range of styles, and are painted a colour of your choice. These caskets can be        carried by pallbearers and are suitable for burial or cremation.

 ECO FRIENDLY - An eco friendly casket is made from untreated sustainably grown pine lined with unbleached    calico and fitted with timber (or rope) handles. These caskets are approved for burial in the Natural Burial    Section at Makara Cemetery.

 TRADITIONAL - A traditional casket is made from solid timber with metal fittings and quality interior linings.    There is a choice of styles and wood varieties.

 COUCH - A couch casket is rectangular in shape and is available in solid timber or metal construction. They    have metal fittings and elaborate quality interior linings.

Costs range from the Basic option $700 to over $7000 for the Couch casket