Cotton Funeral Directors

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Cotton Funeral Directors

Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, Palmerston North, and William Cotton Funeral Directors, Feilding. Proudly family-owned since 1930.

One of only four funeral homes in NZ spanning more than four generations.

27/06/2026

An important update from the Cotton family 🤍

William Cotton Funeral Directors in Feilding and Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors in Palmerston North are now united under the same family ownership, with Hayden and Kylie Cotton leading both locations.

People often ask about the connection between the Cotton families in Palmerston North and Feilding. This moment brings that story full circle.

It begins with William and Rachel Cotton, who came from Northern Ireland and established their business in Feilding in 1930. Alongside funeral directing, William was also a cabinet maker and casket manufacturer, serving the community in many ways.

Of their ten children, Robert who was the eldest, began working alongside his father at just 14, later joined by his brothers Norman and Walter. After the loss of their brother Andrew during World War II, the family continued the work together.

Robert later established Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors in Palmerston North in 1967, supported by his son Trevor, while Norman and Walter continued caring for families in Feilding.

Through the Feilding branch, Norman and Jeanette, along with Shane and Rachel, carried that legacy forward with dedication and care for many years.

Today, those two parts of the family legacy are together once again. Hayden, a fourth-generation Cotton funeral director and great grandson of William, continues this rare family tradition. Of the approximately 350 funeral homes in New Zealand, only four are family owned and operated across four generations or more, and we are proud to be one of them.

We want to acknowledge Shane, Rachel, and Jeanette for their extraordinary contribution to the Feilding community and to this family legacy. Shane’s commitment over many years has meant so much to so many, and we are very grateful.

We feel honoured to continue this story and to care for families across both communities with our amazing team Brent, Nate, Lou, Ross, Kerri, Janice, Netti, Mark and not to forget our Lola the Funeral Therapy Dog.

28/03/2026

F U N E R A L P R E P A Y M E N T

I was chatting to a friend the other day at one of our local shops, and she had no idea funeral prepayments were even a thing.

She was surprised you can actually put money aside specifically for funeral costs. It’s actually really common when people are retiring and have savings available.

As we got talking, I mentioned we’ve been doing this a long time, so it’s something we guide people through often. A funeral prepayment is quite different to funeral insurance. Insurance is risk based. You can pay premiums for years, sometimes decades, and end up paying far more than what’s paid out, with nothing coming back. We’ve also seen situations where payouts go to a named beneficiary and aren’t used for funeral costs at all.

With a funeral prepayment, what you put in is your money and is available when it’s needed. If the funeral costs more, the difference is paid at the time. If it costs less, the balance goes back to your estate.

Up to $10,000 is exempt from Residential Care Subsidy asset testing, which is why many people choose to set aside that amount. A minimum deposit of $500 is required to get started.

If you’d like to know more, visit our website or book a chat with our team to start the conversation.

24/03/2026

T H E N A N D N O W

Does anyone recognise this building? 👀Take a guess, where do you think this is?

20/03/2026

F U N E R A L F A S H I O N

Because funeral fashion isn’t just for the ladies.. I thought Steve looked rather dapper in his hat and outfit, what do you think?

19/03/2026

I N L O V I N G M E M O R Y

In loving memory of John Robert Anderson, 12 November 1952 – 21 February 2026.

John passed away unexpectedly at the blokart track in Sanson, a place that meant a great deal to him. He had been sailing and racing that day, and for his family and friends there is some comfort in knowing he was doing something he loved.

Upon leaving the Sanson track, our funeral director Nate Mitchell, who attended the transfer, knew it wouldn’t feel right to just drive off. Instead, he did a slow final victory lap in honour of John while 'Wish You Were Here' by Pink Floyd played, creating a moment that was both special and fitting.

For John’s memorial service, his family and friends set up his much-loved blokart in our chapel as a tribute to his passion. As guests left the chapel, they were invited to pay their respects to John, who had chosen to be cremated before his service.

John was dearly loved by his wife, Raewyn, and by his family: Ian and Lisa, Rob and Cath, Stuart and Grant, Olivia and Kaleb, along with his wider family and many friends. His enthusiasm for life and the joy he shared will be remembered always.

The Manawatu Blokart Club will be holding a Blokart Sailing “Have a Go Day” on 29 March, from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Further information can be found here: https://manawatunz.co.nz/events/blokart-sailing-have-a-go-day/

Funeral Director: Hayden Cotton
Funeral Celebrant: Llew King
Funeral Photography: Kylie Cotton

23/02/2026

L O L A T H E F U N E R A L T H E R A P Y D O G

19/02/2026

S U N D A Y 2 : 3 0 P M - T V F I L M I N G

🎥 Volunteers Needed This Sunday at 2:30 PM 🎥

We’re looking for people willing to attend a staged funeral service this Sunday at 2:30 pm in our Chapel at 697 Main Street, Terrace End, Palmerston North.

An Australian TV production company will be filming for the upcoming series Dog Jobs, featuring Lola, our Funeral Therapy Dog. We’ll be recreating a funeral setting in our chapel to showcase the important role Lola plays in supporting families during funerals.

To help create a natural and authentic atmosphere, we’re inviting members of our community to join us as guests for the service. If you’re available for around an hour and are comfortable being on camera, we would love to have you involved.

✨ Feel free to dress in funeral fashion, formal, or smart casual attire, just as you would when attending a real service.
📵 During filming, we ask guests not to use mobile phones or take photos/videos, as we want the setting to feel as authentic as possible.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so we can have everyone seated and ready before filming begins.

Will I get to meet Lola?
Yes, you will see Lola during filming. Due to tight timing, we can’t guarantee everyone will be able to give her a pat. However, Lola is at our premises most days, and you’re always welcome to pop in and say hello; she’s always happy to meet visitors.🐾

If you’re keen to help, please comment below or send us a message.

17/02/2026

I N L O V I N G M E M O R Y

In Loving Memory of Bruce Mervyn Spencer, 14 March 1938 – 27 August 2025.

"Always find a reason to laugh. It may not add years to your life, but it will surely add life to your years."

Dearly loved husband and best friend of Joan. Loved and loving father of Jackie, Geoff and Kelsey, Rachel and Steve. Loved stepfather of Mike and Cara, Wal and Jubes, Christine and Sam, Graeme and Eva. A proud and much-loved grandad Bruce.

Following the funeral service, guests formed a guard of honour as Bruce was transported from our chapel to our catering lounge on his son Geoff’s NZ V8 Holden Ute - a vehicle that played a special part in Bruce’s life.

In a tribute to his dad, Geoff wrote: “Brucie was the rock of Team 22 – team manager, chief engineer, tyre technician, and number one car detailer. Racing gave Dad purpose. He loved the environment and always had a great sense of humour. We will miss his banter and his presence, both on and off the racetrack.”

Bruce will be remembered as loving, tolerant, positive, caring, supportive, and a wise counsel.❤️

Funeral Director: Hayden Cotton
Funeral Photography: Kylie Cotton

Address

697 Main Street
Palmerston North
4414

Telephone

063552529

Website

http://www.robertjcotton.co.nz/

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