Planning for a Memorial

One of the first considerations when planning a memorial is knowing what design styles are permitted in the area the memorial is to be placed. We can check this for you at time of order to ensure that we are creating a correct memorial specification. If you require any help with establishing the type of memorial allowed please contact us.

Another important thing to know for Council operated cemeteries is who is the ‘Burial Rights Holder’ (BRH), or owner of the plot. This information is now required to obtain a council permit and the application must be in BRH’s name. We can guide you through this process.

Memorials can be collected from our factory to be installed in family cemeteries and urupas across New Zealand.

We can also organise packing and shipping to the Pacific Islands.

Material Options

We use granite as the material of choice for memorials. Granite has been proven by the test of time for durability over the centuries. Granite is a hard natural rock and is used because the hardness allows the polished surface to remain stable for long periods of time outdoors and does not damage or scratch easily.

Marble is a material used by some monumental companys but we can not recommend it for outdoor use. While it looks pretty and luxurious when new, marble is a soft material that will not hold its looks for long. A soft stone polish will dull away over time and leave a matte rough finish. No sealers or preparations can protect Marble from the ravages of the elements and time.

In the last century Marble was often used as it was easy to work and carve with hand chisels for lettering, this was then drilled and filled with lead. Painted inscriptions with not last long in the soft, water absorbing stone.

Other materials have been used over the years such as fibreglass & glass but none have matched the durability of Granite.

Granite Colours

Below is a selection of granite colours available

Payment Options

A LayBy scheme is a popular method if there is some time until an unveiling. An initial deposit is put down and regular payments calculated to ensure the required amount is paid by the time the memorial is finished.

Most council operated cemeteries in New Zealand have a permitting system in place for installing headstones. Each cemetery has different requirements, but Auckland is currently in the process of standardising it’s systems for headstone permit applications. Below is a list of some local area cemetery permit fees. Updated 1/7/2018

How long does it take to complete a headstone?

This can depend on whether the headstone is selected from one of our large range of memorials currently in stock or is a design that has to be drawn up and manufactured. Stones from stock can usually be completed in about 5-6 weeks from order, although we can produce urgent jobs for customers that have a shorter delivery time – an express production fee may apply in some cases.

If a stone needs to be made to a special design or requires detailed carving work it best to allow about 4-5 months prior to an unveiling date or anniversary. This will ensure we have everything ready well in advance of your delivery date.

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