Funeral Catering: The Gathering After The Service
After a service, most families want to gather somewhere quiet and share a meal. A place to talk, remember, and begin the slow process of moving forward together.
We work with a long-standing family owned caterer who looks after every family that comes through our chapels with the same care she has brought to this work for years. The food is warm, well-prepared, and a step beyond the standard sausage rolls and club sandwiches.
If you are gathering in our hospitality lounge, at home, local church or somewhere else, we will arrange catering that suits your family.
Our Caterer
Many funeral homes use whichever catering company is available on the day. We do not. We have worked with the same caterer for many years.
She knows our chapels, she knows what families need on a difficult day, and she takes a genuinely personal approach to every menu. The result is food that feels homemade rather than institutional, with someone who can handle last-minute changes, dietary requirements and cultural preferences without fuss.
Table settings, crockery, glassware, tea and coffee service are all included. Your family does not need to bring anything.
Where The Gathering Can Take Place
You can hold the post-service gathering wherever feels right:
If your venue does not have full kitchen facilities, that is fine. Our caterer brings what is needed.
At our Pukekohe chapel, with a hospitality lounge, kitchen facilities, and comfortable seating for families large and small
At our Papatoetoe chapel, with an intimate hospitality space alongside the family room
At your home, with out-catering available across South Auckland, Manukau, Franklin and the wider Auckland area
Outdoors, including lifestyle blocks, farms, gardens or other family places, weather permitting
Under our marquee, for larger Pukekohe gatherings that overflow the chapel hospitality space
Menus That Fit The Family
Every family’s gathering looks different. Some want a quiet morning tea after a small private service. Others host hundreds of people for an extended afternoon meal. We have catered for both, and everything in between.
Typical options include:
Morning or afternoon tea
With savouries, sandwiches, fresh baking, fruit platters, tea and coffee service
Light lunch
With hot finger food, salads, sandwiches, fresh bread and dessert
Sit-down meals
For smaller gatherings or a more formal post-service occasion
Family-supplied food alongside catering
Where whānau-made dishes or community contributions are part of the gathering
We will talk through what feels right based on the time of day, the size of the gathering, the dietary mix in your family, and the budget you are comfortable with.
Catering That Respects The People In The Room
South Auckland’s diversity shows up most clearly around food. Our caterer regularly prepares or arranges:
Vegetarian, vegan
Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and other allergy-aware options
Diabetic-friendly options for elderly family members
Catering Costs
Catering is charged separately from the funeral arrangement. The cost depends on the type of food, the number of guests, the venue, and any additional service required, such as out-catering at a remote location.
Before anything is finalised, we provide a clear written quote with itemised costs. You can see exactly what is included and adjust the menu if you want something simpler or more substantial.
There are no hidden fees, no surprise charges
If finances are a concern, we will be honest about the choices that reduce the cost without making the gathering feel diminished. A meaningful gathering does not have to be an expensive one.
Small Family Gatherings Through To Larger Receptions
We can cater for as few as ten people or as many as 250 plus.
The most common format:
Reception immediately after the service, usually 1 hour of refreshments and conversation if more time is required please talk to our team
Some families do both. A public reception can happen immediately after the service, followed by a smaller family meal later. We can arrange either option, or a combination that suits your family.
Frequently Asked Questions: Catering
Speak With Us About The Catering
If you would like to talk through what the post-service gathering might look like, for an immediate need or as part of pre-planning, call us at either chapel.