Articles / News

Here at Macdonald & Weston we understand how difficult the Christmas holidays can be, so as the holiday season approaches, many of us will experience a mix of joy and sorrow. For those who have lost a loved one, this Christmas, consider leaving a heartfelt, hand made card on our memorial tree to honour and remember those we’ve lost. It’s a simple, but meaningful gesture that allows grieving families to feel supported and connected to the memory of their loved ones. Whether it’s a note of love, a cherished memory, or a message of hope, your card can provide comfort and bring a sense of peace during this tender time of year.

We welcome Raylene into our Macdonald & Weston family. Raylene has been employed for the past 19 years at Invercargill City Council, most of which was at the Eastern Cemetery and Southland Crematorium. Earlier this year after an illness within her family, Raylene decided the time had come to make a change and accepted the role of Administrator at Macdonald & Weston Funeral Home. Her inside knowledge will be invaluable.

Celebrating Macdonald & Weston Funeral Home`s 100 Year Centennial.

100 years ago Kingsland & Ferguson became the Macdonald & Weston we know today, J. T Macdonald and H.P Weston placed an ad in the Southland Times on 9th August 1923 notifying the public of the change of ownership and officially promoted as Macdonald & Weston Funeral Home in January 1924. A lot has changed in 100 years, the phone number back then was simply 126.
The original company of Kingsland & Ferguson Ltd was founded in 1881 by Henry Kingsland, who was joined by William Ferguson and they continued to operate until 1910 when it was purchased by John Hays Pay and John Edward Taylor both employees of the original firm, and continued to operate as Kingsland & Ferguson until 1924 when the Macdonald & Weston was officially changed. The first manager of Macdonald & Weston Ltd was James Taylor Macdonald who died in 1945, who was followed by H. P. Weston until his death in 1956.

Thankfully some things never change, we still offer the same care and compassion that they did back then. Our motto for many years now has been Integrity, Compassion and Kindness, something we hold dear and use in our day to day life. We always strive to be different to other Funeral Homes, for us creating a unique and individual farewell to your loved one is our greatest wish.

For over 130 years Macdonald & Weston Funeral Home has provided a professional service to the public of Southland and the city of Invercargill and has always endeavoured to keep pace with the changing times with first-class premises, modern vehicles and equipment and respectful, compassionate and caring service to the public.

We are going to have an Open Day on 17th March 2024, so mark the date on your calendar. Our last Open Day was a huge success with over 300 people through in 3 hours, our only negative comment was after the event was that some had missed that opportunity to “peek behind the curtains” and get more information. We are still in the process of working out the logistics, so keep an eye on this spot for future updates.

Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and one way to convey your condolences and support to the grieving family is by presenting them with flowers at the funeral.

Flowers are not a necessity by any means and simply paying your respect can help the grieving process and help come to piece with loss and to reflect on the enjoyment the individual brought to the people around.

When it comes to flowers they can offer comfort and solace, as they symbolize the beauty and fragility of life. However, selecting the right flowers can be a thoughtful and meaningful gesture during these moments. Here’s a brief guide to help you choose the perfect flowers.

Consider the Deceased’s Preferences:
If you knew the deceased well, try to select flowers that reflect their personality and taste. If they had a favourite flower or colour, incorporating it into your arrangement can be a heartwarming tribute. This ultimately can be the best choice.

Keep It Elegant and Subtle
Funeral flowers should show elegance and simplicity. Think about whites, creams, or soft pastel hues to create a tranquil atmosphere. These colours symbolize purity and offer a sense of peace during a difficult time.

Choose Appropriate Flower Types
While lilies, roses, and carnations are some of the most commonly used funeral flowers, there are other meaningful options as well. Consider the following flowers and their symbolism:

• Lilies: Represent the restored innocence of the soul.
• Roses: Stand for love and respect.
• Carnations: Signify love and remembrance.
• Chrysanthemums: Symbolize grief and mourning.
• Gladioli: Represent strength of character and integrity.
• Orchids: Signify eternal love and beauty.

Be Mindful of Religious and Cultural Traditions:
Different religious and cultural beliefs can influence the choice of funeral flowers. Some religions prefer no flowers and in some its respectful to ask the family permission.

Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, this comprehensive checklist provides step-by-step guidance. From notifying loved ones to considering cultural traditions, we hope this can help ensure a thoughtful and organized approach to honoring the departed.

1. Notify family and friends: Inform close family members and friends about the loss and the funeral arrangements. Consider creating an obituary to share with the wider community.
2. Choose a funeral director: Funeral directors in Invercargill can help you with various aspects of the funeral planning process, including transportation, paperwork, and coordination of the service. You can find local funeral homes and directors through an online search or by asking for recommendations.
3. Set a date and location: Decide on a date, time, and location for the funeral service. Common choices include churches, funeral homes, cemeteries, or even a more unique location that holds significance for the deceased.
4. Funeral service details: Plan the specifics of the funeral service, including whether it will be a religious or secular service, who will officiate, and who will speak or perform eulogies. You can also select music, readings, and other elements that reflect the deceased’s personality and wishes.
5. Casket or urn: If you choose burial, select a casket. If you choose cremation, decide on an urn. The funeral director can help you with these choices.
6. Burial or cremation: Decide whether you want to bury the deceased or have them cremated. In Invercargill, there are several cemeteries and crematoriums to choose from.
7. Gather important documents: You’ll need the deceased’s death certificate, any pre-arranged funeral plans, and any paperwork related to insurance or benefits.
8. Cemetery arrangements: If you choose burial, coordinate with the chosen cemetery for plot selection and any additional services, such as a graveside service.
9. Obituary and announcements: Prepare an obituary to be published in local newspapers and online. Create funeral announcements and invitations to be sent to friends and family.
10. Reception: Plan for a post-funeral reception, if desired, where guests can gather to share memories and offer condolences.
11. Transportation: Arrange transportation for the family and guests to and from the funeral service and burial site.
12. Floral arrangements: Choose and order flowers for the service, if desired.
13. Consider cultural or religious customs: Be mindful of any specific customs or traditions that are important to the deceased or their family.
14. Arrange for a guestbook: Have a guestbook available for attendees to sign and leave messages.
15. Consider technology: In the digital age, you may want to live-stream the service for those who can’t attend in person.

Remember that funeral planning can be emotionally challenging, so don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a counselor during this process. Funeral directors can also provide guidance and support to help make the process as smooth as possible.