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For Hibiscus Coast builder Tony Clark, the move into making coffins began with an unusual request.
Tony, who runs Kiwi-owned construction company Building by Tony, was approached through Waikumete Cemetery’s natural burial area to make simple, natural coffins. With his background in cabinetmaking and construction, he began experimenting with designs that were practical, affordable and easy for families to personalise.
The result was Knoby’s Boxes – locally manufactured plywood coffins supplied as easy-to-assemble kits.
Tony says the idea is to give people more freedom over something that is often left until the very end of life.
Rather than buying a finished coffin through the traditional route, families can purchase one in advance, assemble it themselves and decorate it however they choose. Some people even use the boxes for storage until they are needed.
“We encourage people to do it their way,” Tony says.
The coffins can be painted, decorated by family and friends, or turned into a personal tribute reflecting someone’s life, interests and personality. They are suitable for both traditional burial and cremation, while different options can also be made for natural burials.
Tony also makes bespoke coffins for people wanting different timbers, dimensions or designs, including larger sizes and coffins made without metal fittings for Jewish burial requirements.
The standard coffins are kept in stock and manufactured locally, keeping the process straightforward and costs down.
For Tony, the aim is to change the way people think about buying a coffin – making it something that can be planned ahead, involve the family and become part of celebrating a life, rather than simply another decision made at a difficult time.
Business Directory: Knobys Boxes
