Forrests Welcomes Community Involvement [Forrest Funeral Services]

The team at Forrest’s Funeral Services is what sets them apart. Manager John Drake says the service the firm provides relies on the qualities and professionalism of the people who work there. “We’re very proud of our people here and we want everyone to know how good they are,” John says.

John and his team enjoy speaking to groups, and say they welcome calls from local groups who would like him to come and talk to them about funerals and what is involved. Alternatively, he says, he is happy to show people around the chapel, reception area and viewing room at Forrest’s premises in Browns Bay or at their Riverside Road, Orewa premises.

“There are so many decisions to make when planning a funeral – where to have the funeral service, who should take the service, what music and readings to have, burial or cremation and where that should be, what flowers to have, and where to have the viewing. It helps to have an experienced professional on hand,” John says.

Once Forrests have helped you through the choices, they will assist with all the necessary arrangements so the family can be sure everything will flow smoothly, he adds. Forrests can also assist families wanting to pay for the funeral in advance.

As a member of the FDANZ professional body, Forrests offer the FDANZ Funeral Trust bereavement plan which allows for payment by easy instalments of $20 a fortnight, or lump sum payments, which are exempt from asset testing for long-term residential care.

The FDANZ, which represents over 80% of New Zealand’s funeral firms, hold the funds in trust under a trust deed that requires all of the funds to be held by a registered bank.

“This means people can pay for the funeral now and relieve the family of the financial burden at what is usually a stressful time,” John says. “No health checks are needed and no personal questions are asked. Anyone of any age or health status can prearrange an FDANZ Funeral Trust funeral with Forrests.

“It also means people can make their choices well in advance – the music they want, the venue and so on. We will record these, at no charge, so these wishes are known when the time comes.”

He adds that people can still change their arrangements if they need to.

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