Back to Blog

Resilient Grieving

Losing someone we love is an experience that touches us all. The pain of grief can feel overwhelming, leaving us lost and unsure of how to navigate the difficult journey ahead. At Gateway Funeral Services, we walk alongside families through these challenging times, offering support and guidance. We understand that grief is a deeply personal process, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. That's why we're always seeking resources that can offer comfort and practical strategies for ...

December Funeral Care Magazine

In the December issue of Funeralcare magazine our funeral director Larni Hepi shared his experience at the tangi of Māori King Kingi Tuheitia, and Bradley reviews the podcasts that keep him entertained. Check it out here:...

How to Help When Words Aren’t Enough

Most of us have been in the difficult position of wanting to comfort someone but not being quite sure how to approach the conversation. Do you address it directly? Or wait for them to mention it? Do you ask questions? Or try to talk about lighter, easier topics instead of reminding them of their loss?When it comes to grief, words often fall short. Grief is deeply personal, and finding the right words to offer comfort without adding to their pain often feels overwhelming. But the truth is, you do...

Death Positivity

This week we met with Hospice EBOP. On the agenda was Death Positivity and the synergy of how Hospice and Funeral Homes work together in a uniquely similar space.Here we've put-together some more information on the Death Positive Movement. The Death Positive movement is a growing cultural shift that encourages open, honest, and informed conversations about death and dying. By breaking down taboos and challenging societal norms, this movement aims to create a more compassionate and supportiv...

How to write a Eulogy for your Mother

Writing a eulogy for your mother is one of the most emotionally challenging tasks most of us will face. The passing of a loved one is difficult, but to try to put their life into words can leave the best of us speechless. While finding the right words can feel overwhelming, the process of writing a eulogy can be incredibly healing. Taking the time to reflect on the life of someone who meant the world to you, and to share her story with those who loved her, is a wonderful way to honour the w...

Podcast 32: Halloween

Winter's Chill and Spooky Thrills! After a busy winter, your favourite duo, Brad and Dean are back to share their spooky takes on Halloween.Join us for laughter, chills, and a whole lot of fun!Listen here or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://celebrategoodlives.buzzsprout.com/...

How to write a Funeral Notice

Announcing a loved one’s passing to the world can feel like a mammoth responsibility. Grief can make the smallest tasks seem insurmountable, but despite that, you’re faced with a long list of “to-dos” while standing in the centre of a swirling storm. The good news is this task is a relatively straightforward one to cross off your list and one that we’re here to support you with. Here’s everything you need to know to write a death notice that is clear, concise and respectful.Star...

Catering A Funeral

While much of funeral planning is taken up by thoughts of the ceremony itself, what comes next is every bit as important. Planning the “after party” can feel unimportant when you’re deep in grief, but it can be an incredibly healing and connecting part of an otherwise difficult day.  We encourage our clients to spend time thinking about how they can incorporate a wake or “funeral reception” in a way that is true to their loved one, and one of the best ways to do this is throu...

Letter to The Beacon Editor

We recently wrote to the Beacon Whakatane to address an article regarding a local funeral collective group. As professionals, we felt the need to clarify a few points. Read on for our response. Dear Editor,I write in response to the recent article in Wednesday's Beacon regarding the Funeral Guides Collective funding received by The Bay Trust. The article raised concerns about embalming, funeral costs, and the practices of local funeral directors. While some viewpoints expressed were concern...

Podcast 27: End of Life care with Michael Harrington

We've had an exciting start to the year 2024! Although it has been a busy past few months, we are glad to be back to podcasting. In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Michael Harrington in the studio. Michael shared his experiences as an End of Life Carer, a masseuse, and an acupuncturist. He has also written a book on the topic titled Conscious Transition: A Journey into the Heart of Death & Dying, which we highly recommend. This episode was particularly insightful, and we e...

Episode 26: with Ali from Align and Nourish

This week we had Ali from Align and Nourish Yoga studio on the Podcast. Ali experienced a series of loved ones passing away concurrently and used yoga as an outlet to help process her grief. She now actively supports her clients through yoga and runs classes in Whakatāne. Check out the podcast now....

Remembering loved ones at Christmas

The first Christmas after the death of a loved one can be hard. Whatever you’re experiencing this holiday season, whether it’s anger, sadness, joy, relief, or a combination of feelings, it's normal and to be expected. Holidays without the ones you love will likely always be an emotionally challenging time.While there will always be a void from the loss of your loved one, there are many things you can do to remember, honour, and become connected to their life during Christmas. Think about all...

Life Goals before you pass away

On the podcast, Bradley and Dean talked about the 10 things they want to achieve before they die. It was more of a life goal-setting exercise rather than a bucket list. But was an interesting podcast to tune into. The themes were family, freedom, personal achievements or friends. Check out the lists:BradBrad didnt quite make 10 but his goals are pretty lofty!Financial freedom - is not about a $ figure it's about being able to do what I want, how I want, when I want without the measure of mo...

Being Prepared: Death Certificates

At Gateway Funeral Services, we understand that many people are unfamiliar with the process of obtaining a death certificate and the significance behind it. We believe it is crucial to be aware of the following key points:Understanding the Death Certificate:Familiarise yourself with the requirements and procedures involved in obtaining a death certificate.This includes preparing, writing, or consulting a funeral director to create a pre-death plan.Additionally, it is important to know who the ex...

Eco-friendly cremation

A funeral director in Townsville Australia has designed and recently patented his own aquamating machine “The Gentle Way”. Dean was in Christchurch recently checking out a funeral home down there preparing a new facility for the arrival of an aquamator at some point in their in their Journey.The Townsville machine appears that it's going to be cheaper based on the fact that they have had pre-orders. It must be pretty fail-safe that this is going to work and it's going to be affordable. ...

Episode 8: With Hayley Waugh

Our latest podcast on Celebrating Good Lives discussed "What does the New Zealand, Australia and USA funeral industry have in common?"This was an awesome podcast session with special guest Hayley Waugh discussing everything from cremation, burial, coroners and everything in between!There is some awesome information on our podcasts so go and have a listen here:...