Senior Citizens Are Celebrating Life and Death in ‘Coffin Clubs’

These creative New Zealand seniors are challenging the notions of life and death one colorful coffin at a time.

From New Zealand to the world: Coffin Clubs are challenging society’s perception of mortality | Courtesy of Loading Docs

By Thalita Alves

For most of us, death isn’t a pleasant prospect to think about. But a group of senior citizens in New Zealand are proving that life’s finality doesn’t have to be so morbid. These pensioners and semi-retired folk have been coming together in community Coffin Clubs to celebrate life and death, one custom-made casket at a time.

The original Kiwi Coffin Club was established in Rotorua by former hospice nurse and midwife Katie Williams. Within just over a decade, the initiative has transitioned from a small assembly of ex-carpenters, former builders and artsy creatives confined to Williams’ garage, to a series of clubs in New Zealand and abroad.

Williams’ club now has a following of more than 60 members who come together to order, build and decorate their own coffins as they also craft their own unique sense of community.

The Coffin Club documentary showcases the creative community initiative in a fun, musical format | Courtesy of Loading Docs