The rapidly changing developments of Covid-19 has seen our NZ Government review it's position on family members viewing the deceased.

We are pleased to advise that family and whanau from the same isolation ”bubble” as the deceased may now view the body of their loved one at the funeral home. Unfortunately, people in a separate isolation bubble cannot go either with the deceased (and their family or whanau) or separately.

We will discuss viewing arrangements in more detail with each family, as the health and safety of mourners and staff is paramount. 

Managing Director Adrian Catran says while the Government regulations restrictions on funerals, cremations and burials in the presence of any sized group have not changed, he is pleased families now have an opportunity to say a final goodbye, as it is a crucial part of the grieving process. 

A maximum of 1 to 2 people may enter the Twentymans Funeral Home to make arrangements for a burial or cremation. Twentymans has a chapel in Thames and viewing rooms in Whangamata and Whitianga. 

As of Tuesday 24 March, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern raised the pandemic alert to level 4, which means people must stay home in self-isolation to stop the spread of the virus.  

Twentymans suggest families consider postponing the memorial to a later date if they wish for others to be present at a service. 

“We at Twentymans are organising cremations with families online, so the family does not need to come in to the chapel but can use the phone or online tools for communicating their wishes with us.”