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 helps 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 us for help to 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 industry disruptions during Covid, many families are now opting for cremation returning those loved ones ashes home at a future date.
A highlight in our services to Māori of late has been the supply of beautiful, individually carved one-off caskets. We also supply a complimentary korowai (ceremonial cloak) to anyone who needs it
We’re here any time of the day. 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. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
