A Free Gift to Our Community
Eldon and Leslee offer free community funeral talks for community groups across Ruakākā, Bream Bay, Waipū, One Tree Point, and Whangārei.These relaxed, no-obligation sessions provide a safe space to ask questions about funeral services. While funerals can be difficult to discuss, they're something most of us will face. The talks are a free gift to the community, with no cost or obligation.
Many people find the topic of funerals difficult to raise, even though most of us will face it at some point, for ourselves or someone we love. These talks are simply a chance to ask honest questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting.
What we talk about
Every group is different, so these sessions are shaped around the questions that matter most to the people in the room. Generally, that includes:
Explaining what actually happens during the funeral process, step by step
Talking openly about pre-planning a funeral, and why some families choose to do this in advance
Discussing funeral costs honestly, so there are no surprises later on
Answering general questions about cremation, burial, and the choices families have
Why We Offer These Talks
For Eldon and Leslee, this isn’t about growing a client list. It comes from the same values that led them to open Whittakers Funerals in the first place: a belief in supporting the Northland community they’ve called home for over 20 years.
Understanding the funeral process ahead of time can ease a lot of worry, both for individuals thinking about their own wishes and for families who may one day need to make decisions on someone else’s behalf. A little clarity now can mean a lot less stress later.
Who can request a talk
These community funeral talks are suited to a wide range of community groups, including church groups, retirement villages, social clubs, workplace groups, or any gathering of people who would find it helpful to learn more.
Arrange a visit
If your group would find it helpful to have Eldon and Leslee visit and give a community funeral talk, we would love to hear from you. Churches, marae, RSAs, retirement villages, social clubs and workplace groups are all welcome to get in touch using the simple request form below, or by phone.
Just let us know your group name, a contact person and phone number, roughly how many people usually attend, and a few dates or times that might suit. Eldon and Leslee will get back to you personally to arrange a suitable time.
There’s no pressure and no sales pitch involved. Just honest conversation from a local family who genuinely wants to help our Northland community feel more prepared and less alone when the time comes.
Common questions answered
Are Whittakers Funerals’ community talks free?
Yes, Eldon and Leslee offer these community talks completely free of charge, as a gift to the Northland community. There is no cost, no obligation, and no sales pitch involved.
What topics are covered in a community funeral talk?
Community talks typically cover the funeral process, pre-planning options, and an honest discussion of funeral costs. The exact content is shaped around the questions each group wants answered.
What kinds of groups can request a talk?
Community groups such as church groups, retirement villages, social clubs, and workplace groups can request a talk from Eldon and Leslee.
How do we book a community talk with Whittakers Funerals?
You can arrange a community talk by contacting Whittakers Funerals by phone or complete the form above.
Do Eldon and Leslee travel outside Ruakaka to give talks?
Eldon and Leslee are based in Ruakākā and are glad to discuss visiting groups across Bream Bay, Waipu, One Tree Point, and Whangarei.
Is a community talk the same as pre-planning my own funeral?
Not exactly, a community talk is a general group discussion about the funeral process, while pre-planning is a personal, one-on-one conversation about your own wishes. Visit the Pre-Planning page to find out more about arranging this individually.
Whittakers Funerals
25 Kepa Road
Ruakākā
New Zealand
0800 000 929