How much does a funeral cost?
The cost of a funeral can vary significantly, depending on the choices you make, just like building a house or dining at a restaurant. Some families choose something simple; others include more elements such as flowers, service sheets, catering, etc. Council fees for burial or cremation also vary by region.
At Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, we believe in being upfront about pricing because it’s the right thing to do. You deserve to know exactly what to expect - no hidden fees, no surprise invoices. Grief is hard enough without financial uncertainty.
We also take care to ensure your budget is respected. If we see costs heading beyond what was discussed, we’ll let you know and offer thoughtful recommendations to bring things back in line, without compromising what matters most to you.
funeral price guide
We’ve created a clear and transparent price guide. It includes options for:
Cremation and burial without a funeral service
Full funeral services for 50 or 100 guests
If cost is a factor, please talk to us. We’re here to help you find a solution that’s both respectful and manageable.
Funeral costs & pricing guide
Helping your family plan with confidence.
We understand that planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s unexpected. Our goal is to make the process as clear and supportive as possible.
Once we’ve spoken with you and understand your family’s wishes, we’ll provide a full written estimate with all expected costs.
If you decide not to proceed with the funeral after early services have been carried out, we’ll issue an invoice for any upfront costs incurred.
Palmerston North City Council - Burial and Cremation fees
To assist with planning, we’ve included the current Palmerston North City Council burial and cremation fees below. These council-set charges apply to services at Terrace End, Kelvin Grove, Ashhurst, and Bunnythorpe cemeteries.
While many of these fees—such as plot purchase, cremation costs, or interment charges—are already factored into our full funeral price guide, we provide them here separately for families who wish to understand specific details like the cost of a double-depth plot or ashes interment.
These fees are set by the Council and are GST inclusive. For those living outside the Palmerston North City boundary, additional fees may apply.
