Hardings Funerals Ltd

Hardings Funerals Ltd Because you are at the center of everything we do.
06 278 8633 Integrity. Honesty. Dignity. Flexibility. Professionalism. What word do you use for funeral service?

We use all of these and more. At Hardings we are committed to ensuring that the funeral farewell is based entirely on your choices. Working together we can help you create a service that is an expression of love and respect, where attention to detail is all encompassing, and traditions important to your family will be followed.

At Hardings Funerals, we enjoy mixing things up a bit.  This is to ensure that each funeral is unique and fits the life ...
28/08/2026

At Hardings Funerals, we enjoy mixing things up a bit. This is to ensure that each funeral is unique and fits the life that it is for.

As you can see, we had a stunning afternoon at Tairoa Lodge, and with Jodi Muggeridge celebrant with a setting for a 'Cafe Funeral'

Imagine a relaxed atmosphere, platters of beautiful food being served, beverages to suit the person, people sharing loving stories, photos and music being shared, and memories that stay with you long after the event.... all for the right reasons.

This is the result of fabulous celebrants, fantastic hosts who cater with care, and funeral directors who have dedication, imagination, and willingness to be brave and think outside the square.

We dont tell you how to honour your person, but we will help you craft something that accompanies a legacy worth remembering.

25/08/2026

A quick word about funeral costs....

 # # # A Different Way to Think About PrearrangingThere’s a story about a father who knew his two daughters well.He knew...
09/08/2026

# # # A Different Way to Think About Prearranging

There’s a story about a father who knew his two daughters well.

He knew they were very different, and he also knew that grief, money and emotion can sometimes make things harder than they need to be.

So before he died, he made a plan.

Not to control everything, but to make his wishes clear and to look after both of them.

And really, that’s not a bad way to think about a funeral prearrangement.

It doesn’t mean you have to plan every song, every flower or every little detail.

Sometimes it is simply about leaving a few clear wishes behind, so your family aren’t left wondering:

**What would Mum have wanted?
Did Dad ever say?
Are we doing the right thing?**

A prearrangement can take away some of that uncertainty.

It can be as simple as saying, *these are the things that matter to me, and the rest I’m happy for you to decide.*

Because perhaps prearranging isn’t really about planning your funeral.

It’s about making things just a little easier for the people you love.

03/08/2026

Some people leave their mark on a community without ever seeking recognition. Tom Thompson was one of those people.

Tom held a special place in the history of Hardings Funerals. Long before we became the business we are today, he was the accountant for Hardings when it was a thriving furniture and funeral company in Kaponga. His commitment, wisdom and quiet guidance became part of the foundations of the business and the community it served.

His service to South Taranaki reached far beyond Hardings. Tom was an Honorary Life Member of the Kaponga Fire Brigade, an Honorary Life Member of the Manaia RSA, a Justice of the Peace, and a much-loved minister with the Manaia Union Parish. Wherever he served, he did so with humility, kindness and an unwavering faith.

Tom had a remarkable gift. Whether you met him once or knew him for years, he had a way of making you feel as though you were the most important person in the room. He offered gentle counsel, wise mentorship, and encouragement to countless people over the years. He listened more than he spoke, and when he did speak, his words carried both compassion and purpose.

While preparing the photographs for Tom's farewell, we came across an online interview where he shared a few thoughts in his own words. It was one of those moments that stopped us in our tracks. We simply couldn't miss the opportunity to let those attending hear Tom's own voice one last time. It was a beautiful reminder of the man so many knew and loved.

People like Tom become woven into the fabric of a community. His legacy won't simply be remembered for the titles he held, but for the lives he quietly influenced, the encouragement he freely gave, and the genuine care he showed to everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Thank you, Tom, for the example you set, for your faithful service, and for the quiet difference you made in so many lives.

Rest in God.
Rest in love.
Rest in peace,
Uncle Tom.

It's coming around again... what's your coffee order? ☕❤
29/07/2026

It's coming around again... what's your coffee order? ☕❤

What would you say to that person if you could?
27/07/2026

What would you say to that person if you could?

One of the things we love most about working in a small town is that funerals are rarely for strangers. More often than ...
26/07/2026

One of the things we love most about working in a small town is that funerals are rarely for strangers. More often than not, we know the person, we know their family, or our paths have crossed somewhere along the way. That changes everything.

When a funeral becomes personal, you don't just do your job – you give a little bit of yourself too.

It's the little things that people often don't notice, but they feel. The way remembrance candles are lit with purpose. Service sheets that are designed to reflect the person, rather than being just another template. Quietly encouraging people to sign the memorial book so the family has a lasting record of everyone who came. The way a casket is shouldered, carried, and placed with dignity and teamwork. The flowers sitting just right, rugs on laps to stay warn, and making sure the family never has to wonder what comes next.

Last week we had the privilege of looking after the farewell of our friend Robin, held at the local fire brigade. It was everything a community funeral should be.

Celebrant Jodi Muggeridge created a ceremony that captured Robin perfectly, while our Hardings team quietly worked behind the scenes, making sure every one of those little details was exactly as it should be.

That's the beauty of community. When people come together to honour one of their own, and everyone plays their part with care, the result is something that feels genuine, personal, and full of heart. ❤️

16/07/2026

It's a common question... what would your answer be?

I wanted to share a few thoughts on family dynamics and grief. It's not easy, but there are a few things you can do to e...
14/07/2026

I wanted to share a few thoughts on family dynamics and grief. It's not easy, but there are a few things you can do to ease the tension and give everyone the space to breathe.

Every family has differences, and during loss, they feel much bigger. But remember, most disagreements come more from uncertainty than lack of love. That's why we encourage people to write down what matters to them. It gives your loved ones the reassurance they need to plan the funeral without guessing.

For anything else, talk to a funeral director you trust. When your family are feeling lost, they can turn to them for support.

If you have any questions or want to plan ahead, call us on 06 278 8633 or visit our website:
https://hardingsfunerals.co.nz/planning-ahead/

Address

17 Regent Street
Hawera
4610

Opening Hours

Monday 12am - 11:59pm
Tuesday 12am - 11:59pm
Wednesday 12am - 11:59pm
Thursday 12am - 11:59pm
Friday 12am - 11:59pm
Saturday 12am - 11:59pm
Sunday 12am - 11:59pm

Telephone

+6462788633

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