The owners of Heaven Funerals are of predominantly New Zealand Māori heritage. As such we are fully conversant with Māori Tikanga (traditions) and have a deep respect for all things tangihanga or tangi (NZ Māori funeral).
Māori funerals (tangi) usually take place over a 3-day period or more to mourn the passing of a loved one (tūpāpaku). With the lack of a Marae (tribal gathering place) here in Queensland, most Māori whānaupani (grieving family) opt to have their loved one lay in state at their own whare (family home).
There are a few venues here in Brisbane that allow for tangi to be held on a larger scale. The Brisbane Anglican Maori Mission – Te Rau Oriwa help whānau whose own home may be too small for tangi. The Ministers (Minita) there are very welcoming and allow for different kaupapa (traditions)from different hapu and iwi (tribes) of the whānaupani.
Death is an important part of Māori culture, making the rituals performed at Māori funerals a very important part of Māori identity.
Initially, the great majority of our Māori whānaupani would ask for us to help send their loved ones home (repatriate) to New Zealand. Now with the settling of so many Maori here in Queensland, Heaven Funerals has supported dozens of grieving families with local burials following the final poroporoaki (farewell speeches).
With the increased cost of burial plots in Brisbane and the recent disruptions of Covid, many families are now opting for cremation with plans of returning those loved ones ashes home at a future date.
A highlight in our services to Māori of late have been the supply in beautiful individually carved one off Caskets. We also supply a complimentary korowai (ceremonial cloak) to anyone who needs it.
Contact us 24/7 on (07) 3152 8363
We’re here any time of the day or night. You call us and we’ll pull out all the stops to be where you need us to be. If you have a general enquiry you can also fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
