Many years ago we used to make crosses that we used to mark a grave temporarily. I had a builder and handyman on staff, the late Ian Upton and the late Paul Burnette, and it was easy for them to make these as needed. – Then with an increasing business came the time of outsourcing most tasks which included getting our casket makers to make these temporary crosses.
In 2007 we were the first company in New Zealand to move 100% to sustainable pine caskets and changed suppliers to a start-up enterprise that not only made our caskets but was happy to continue making crosses for us. Now, 16 years later, things have changed as many other Funeral Homes are moving to sustainable caskets and his business has increased to the point he no longer has the capacity to make other products such as our temporary crosses for the cemetery. We could approach another supplier at a greater cost, however.
Bring in the Menz Shed
The Menz Shed in Waikanae is a 100% voluntary group of men, that has over time blossomed into many men and has become a great place to gather with a focus on personal and community-based projects made from wood, such as our project. Having attended the centre several times in the past, I approached them again with my idea of ‘keeping it local’ for them to make these crosses that could not only keep the cost down but be used again for those families in greater need.
The first cross ‘temporary Grave marker’ is now complete, and what a great job they have done. Beautifully finished and hand painted, ready for us to create a name label and feel a local connection for our local families. Sustainable, personable, and local, working together within our community.
