Definitions
“Paterson’s Funeral Services” means Patersons Funeral Services (2013) Limited or any employees, agents or duly authorised representatives.
“Agreement” means the supply of funeral services to the Customer in accordance with the Funeral Services Agreement.
“Customer” means the Customer named in the Funeral Services Agreement, and if more than one, their liability shall be equal over the entire debt.
“Deceased” means the deceased person named in the Funeral Services Agreement.
“Funeral” means the ceremony and all other matters associated with the burial or cremation of the Deceased.
“Services” means all services, advice and attendances provided by Paterson’s Funeral Services to the Customer in respect of the Funeral for the Deceased.
“Disbursements” means all expenses and sums payable to third parties in connection with the Funeral for the Deceased other than any sums due to Paterson’s Funeral Services for providing the Services.
Acceptance
By signing the Funeral Services Agreement the customer agrees to the terms of this agreement.
Services
Paterson’s Funeral Services agrees to provide the services outlined in the quotation provided in the agreed timeframe.
The Customer has the right to make changes to the services provided. Paterson’s Funeral Services must agree to any changes to the contract in writing. In the event that an item of service is not able to be provided, that cost will be removed from the quote.
Collection & Use of Information
The Customer authorises Paterson’s Funeral Services to collect, retain, use and disclose any personal information about the Customer, for the purpose of assessing the Customer’s credit worthiness, providing the Services, and enforcing any rights under this agreement.
You can view our full privacy policy on our website www.patersonsfuneralservices.co.nz/privacy-policy.
If the Customer’s assessed credit worthiness is unsatisfactory, then Paterson’s Funeral Services may, in its sole discretion, withhold all further Services until further arrangements have been agreed with the Customer.
Payment
Customers must pay the quoted price by the due date stated on the invoice. Prices include GST. Interest may be charged on any amount still owing eight (8) weeks after the funeral date at the rate of 12% per annum or 1% per calendar month or part month.
An Account Recovery fee of $500 including GST shall be payable by the Customer if payment is not made by the due date. This amount may be waived if Paterson’s Funeral Services have agreed in writing to a payment plan acceptable to Paterson’s Funeral Services.
Any legal costs (including solicitor’s fees and disbursements) or debt collection agency fees incurred by Paterson’s Funeral Services in the enforcement of any rights, contained in this Agreement shall be paid by the Customer.
Payment of the invoice remains the responsibility of the Customer regardless of any funds expected from the granting of probate, from Government Departments or payment of any insurance claim.
You can view our debt recovery policy on our website www.patersonsfuneralservices.co.nz/payment-policy/
Cancellation
Paterson’s Funeral Services agrees to provide the Services as stated in this Agreement.
In the event the Customer gives notice to cancel the Agreement before Paterson’s Funeral Services has completed the Funeral for the Deceased, then Paterson’s Funeral Services may invoice the Customer for all Services and/or Disbursements supplied to the Customer up to and including the date of cancellation.
Return of Ashes
Where the Customer elects to have the body of the Deceased cremated, guidance will be given on interment options. It is expected that ashes will be uplifted within several months. If ashes have not been claimed after three (3) years then any ashes of the Deceased’s body that remain unclaimed may be scattered at an appropriate site. A Registered letter will be sent to the last known address of the Customer prior to scattering. Paterson’s Funeral Services accepts no liability for scattering ashes should there be no response to the Registered Letter.
Miscellaneous
If Paterson’s Funeral Services does not insist on enforcing any right under this Agreement that will not mean Paterson’s Funeral Services is prevented in the future from enforcing any of its other rights.
If any Agreement provision is held by a Court to be illegal or unenforceable, then the remainder of the Agreement provisions will not be affected.
The Customer will not pass on any of their rights or obligations under this Agreement to any other person without Paterson’s Funeral Services’ consent.
Nothing in this Agreement will affect the Customer’s rights under the Consumers Guarantees Act or the Fair Trading Act.
Complaints
If you have a complaint, we would like to hear from you.
How to contact us
By phone on 03 307 7433
Between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Email: letusknow@patersonsfuneralservices.co.nz
Or write to us:
The Funeral Services Manager
Paterson’s Funeral Services
PO Box 472, Ashburton 7700
What is our complaints process?
Once we have received your complaint, we will contact you within three working days.
We will always take the time to understand your complaint and resolve your complaint by doing our best to put it right.
We endorse and recognise all rights of the consumer under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
If you’re not satisfied
As a member of the Funeral Directors Association of NZ we adhere to their code of conduct. You may contact them:
Funeral Directors Association of NZ
PO Box 25148
Featherstone Street
Wellington 6146
(04) 473 7475
info@fdanz.org.nz