NZs only online funeral services directory launched

Celebrate Me introduces New Zealand’s sole online funeral services directory
everyone’s life deserves to be celebrated

A new web site that meets the changing needs of grieving families who seek information on funeral arrangements now has a directory of relevant services.

The directory on the web site, Celebrate Me (www.celebrateme.co.nz), is the sole online directory in New Zealand of its kind at a time when, despite increasing life expectancy, deaths are gradually increasing in number due to population growth in the older age groups.

The web site is effectively New Zealand’s only ‘one stop shop’ that provides all options to assist families seeking to celebrate their loved one’s life at a time when they need to make personal decisions, and before these decisions need to be quickly made.

Managing Director Annouschka Martinsen says families struggle to find information when they most need it.

“The biggest challenge is finding out what the options are.”

She wants that to change.

“I just want to provide people with a clear idea of what is available to them when it comes to planning a funeral either for a loved one or pre-planning for themselves.

“Then when they go to see a funeral service provider they already know what they might want.”

“Funeral directors are open to all sorts of suggestions to help you celebrate your loved one’s life just the way you want – whether it’s a service at home, at your local church, community centre, or on a boat – perhaps a customised artwork coffin or scattering ashes at sea.”

Following her father’s death, Martinsen discovered that there was no ‘one-stop’ information source to turn to when it came to planning his funeral.

“After months of research, I discovered that a lot of families struggle to find available funeral-related products and services,” she said.

Celebrate Me also provides information on inspirational ideas, articles, and support services. These services include support for people who are faced with a terminal illness, support with coping with the loss of a loved one.

“When I miscarried my first baby I struggled to deal with the grief – as part of the healing process I planted a lemon tree in their memory. This helped me a lot.”

Martinsen says that people want the opportunity to ‘mix and match’ and to consider all options available to them.

“They want the right celebration. Many families now want a funeral which is personal and truly reflects the life and personality of their loved one.”

“Celebrate Me helps to make this possible.”

Celebrate Me also provides information on a range of commemorative products, such as video keepsakes, ash diamonds, memorial jewellery and memorial trees. There is even information on businesses who can provide services for pet burials and cremations.

An average of 87 people each day passed away last year, with the median age of 78 for males and 83 for females; 19 per cent of those were under the age of 65, according to Statistics New Zealand. In 1975 those ages were 69 and 75 respectively, with 36 percent of those dying being aged under 65.

Martinsen says making a funeral a celebration of the person’s life can help bring peace to families.

“To know their loved one’s wishes are being fulfilled and that their life is being celebrated in a personal and loving way is a healthy step in the process of grieving.”

“Everyone’s life deserves to be celebrated.”

ENDS

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