Traditional Burial Services

According to Tangihanga traditions, when someone was about to die, the tribe would gather together to hear their final speech. This would often include references to old enemies and how they should continue to take revenge on tribes that had bettered them in the past.

After death, the body was prepared by covering it in red ochre and oil, then wrapped in mats and blankets.

Mourners would then have the opportunity to address the deceased, speaking to them as if they were still alive. All the while, the deceased’s family would stay nearby so they would not be alone during this time.

A traditional burial service was held on the third day. At a later stage, the body would be exhumed, and the bone retrieved to be cleaned and painted with ochre. These bones would then be hidden safely to prevent future desecration.

These days, the tradition of digging up the bones has been replaced by the unveiling of the dead person’s headstone, and due to increasing urbanization, the body may lie in a house or hall if it is more appropriate than taking the body to a marae. 

When paying respects to the dead person, people are encouraged to express their emotions – they are not restricted to only sharing positive memories, but may say what is on their minds. There are sometimes arguments over where exactly the person’s body shall lie – these are considered tributes to the mana of the dead.

On the last day of the ceremony there is a service presided over by a tohunga, priest or minister – following this, the deceased is taken to the cemetery or urupā  for their burial. Most urupā have at their entranceway a water container, from which people use the water to wash their hands to remove tapu.

The traditional process of exhuming and reinterring bones has been replaced by the ceremony of hura kōhatu (the unveiling of the gravestone), usually a year after the tangi initially takes place..

In a ceremony called kawe mate (translated here to “carry the dead”) the memory of a person will be taken to those who were unable to attend the tangihanga, often to another marae. A photograph is used to represent the deceased.

Please see our price list below for more information on our affordable traditional burial services. If there is anything that you would like us to do over and above the services mentioned, please let us know. We are here to help you prepare the most dignified burial service.

Price Promise:

Lagoon funeral services offer the most affordable funeral services in Auckland. If you find any advertised or quoted price for any like-for-like products or services within Auckland, we will match the price and do it better.

To qualify for our low-cost funeral services matching policy, we will need the following:

• A written quote or price list for the past 30 days
• Only applies to the funeral home costs
• All fees must be paid in full at the dressing

Contact Lagoon View Funeral services today, and let us help you through this challenging time with honour and dignity. Our funeral directors are sensitive to the cultural importance of Tangihanga in a historical sense and in modern times. Our team of experienced funeral directors can assist with all your requirements.

At Lagoon View Funeral Services, we are sensitive to the cultural importance of tangihanga in New Zealand, both historically and in relation to the more modern times within which these traditions remain strong, if very slightly adapted from the procedures of old. For a tangihanga ceremony carried out by those who are respectful of tradition, and knowledgeable in its historical importance, let the team at Lagoon View assist you. Give us a call at 09 527 1866 today if you have any questions regarding our processes.