Hard times for families holding tangi

THINK AHEAD: Kaumatua Anaru Rangiheuea says tangi costs can put a strain on families. PHOTO/FILE

Tuhourangi kaumatua Anaru Rangiheuea says the cost of a three-day tangi can financially burden families farewelling their loved ones.

Tangi are usually held on a marae - for which there is no charge - but the cost of food for extended family and visitors can run high.

And the family is expected to bear the brunt of the expenses.

"We have to look after our visitors before we look after ourselves," Mr Rangiheuea said.

However, koha contributed by guests can help with food and the "heaviest" charges of the casket and undertaker. "It's hard times. In the old days, when we all had farms, it was quite common to make donations of a cow."

These days, an increasing number of families are holding tangi at home to save on food costs, he said.

Others take out loans to avoid the embarrassment of not being able to cover the bill.

Applications to the Maori Land Court to bury loved ones on Maori land cuts out the rapidly rising costs of burial plots, costing about $100 for maintenance of the grave.

Mr Rangiheuea said one of the biggest costs for Maori was bringing relatives home when they passed away overseas.

People should plan for this to ease the burden on their families.

"I would encourage people to take out life insurance cover, especially those who live overseas."

Bringing bodies home can cost between $3000-$5000, he said.

Some banks and credit unions also offer help for families carrying tangi costs. For example, AWHI Credit Union in Rotorua has a "bereavement club" that members can sign up to. If they then die, all other club members contribute $2 each to help their family with funeral or tangi costs.