Social Impactor
2021 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by MAS
Aroha Funerals works alongside whānau to support their choices at a difficult and emotional time with options that are affordable, local, culturally appropriate and sustainable.
The Auckland business has created ASSIST (Aroha, Social and Sustainable Initiatives Serving Tāmaki Makaurau), a framework that focuses on bringing aroha to each and every aspect of what it does. From the moment someone calls Aroha Funerals it begins to care for the person who has died and their whānau. The body is cared for without using harmful additives or invasive processes. Caskets are sourced locally, supporting social enterprises where possible, and are reused up to eight times. The outer casket is retained while the liner is cremated. Unbleached calico and eco fleece are used to line the casket. Flowers are sourced locally and seasonally and caterers are small, local providers.
Cremation can emit up to 250 kilograms of carbon. Recognising this, Aroha Funerals commits to supporting carbon sequestration programmes, uses an electric vehicle and is almost zero waste within the administrative side of the business.