Simple Direct Funerals

24/06/2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quite topical at the moment - so I thought I'd use it to help me build some stairs....

I asked AI to help design new timber stairs for the SDF office. It looked simple on screen, but the real-world build was another matter entirely.

22/06/2026

A family asked if I could make a specific urn - blue in colour and the person loved Tuis.
So I made this - an engraved Tui on top and fixed another to the side. Even though the urn was buried, the family said they liked the idea of the ashes resting in something that their loved one would have liked.

18/06/2026

05/06/2026

Funeral advertising should be questioned like any other advertising.

This short article looks at three common funeral home messages families may want to think carefully about before making decisions.

Read more:

Not every funeral marketing message should be accepted at face value. Here are three common funeral home messages families should question before making decisions.

25/05/2026

New Zealand’s cremation rules changed in May 2026.

We’ve written a short, plain-English guide to explain what changed and what it means for families arranging a cremation.

Read it here:

New Zealand’s cremation rules changed on 7 May 2026. Learn what changed, what still needs to happen, and what it means for families arranging cremation.

14/05/2026

We now include a complimentary handmade plywood urn with every cremation at Simple Direct Funerals.

Each urn is made in-house using the same plywood as our coffins — simple, practical, and made with care.

It’s a simple addition that we hope brings value and meaning, without additional cost.

Learn more about our cremation service:
https://sdfunerals.nz/

08/05/2026

Low-cost funeral websites may actually cost you more…
Less support, less care, or higher prices for even small changes.

A simple funeral is not the same as a cheap funeral. Learn the difference, what to watch for, and how to choose a clear, respectful funeral option.

05/05/2026

A burial this week gave us a lovely example of a family’s touch.

The family spent time personally decorating one of our coffins, and this was the result.

Natural leaves, flowers, and pictures from children — personal touches that brought warmth, love, and meaning to the farewell.

It shows how something simple can become something very special when family are part of it.

Simple Direct Funerals
Nelson Tasman
Simple, personal, affordable.