Auckland’s Trusted Grave and Headstone Care Specialists
At Saving Grace, we know how important your loved one’s resting place is to you. A grave isn’t just a plot of land, it’s a sacred space, a place of remembrance, and a meaningful part of your family’s history.
Our goal is to honour that space by gently and respectfully restoring it to its former beauty, so it can be cherished for generations to come. We treat every memorial as if it belongs to our own whānau. Before doing any work, we’ll take the time to understand your wishes and, if required, ensure the site is blessed before any cleaning or maintenance begins.
Every family is different and every memorial has its own story. We’ll work with you to make sure the right approach is taken.
How We Can Help
Headstone Cleaning
Over time, nature can take its toll. Dirt, moss, lichen, and grime can slowly build up, leaving a headstone looking dull and tired. Using gentle, safe and effective techniques, we carefully remove all signs of ageing so the original beauty of the stone can shine through again. You’ll receive before and after photos (digital or printed if you prefer) so that you can clearly see the difference.
Bronze / RSA Plaque Restoration
We restore Bronze and RSA plaques back to a clean, dignified finish. Depending on the look you prefer, we can either clean and lacquer the original plaque to protect it for years to come, or repaint the background before applying a clear lacquer for a fresh, revitalised result.
Grave Gardening & Tidying
We offer one-off or regular grave maintenance visits with a range of services including:
Cleaning of concrete beds and surrounds
Grass trimming and weed removal
Cleaning pots, vases and decorative items
Removing old flowers and debris
Adding / replacing weed mat, pebbles or grave stones
Re-Painting of Inscriptions
The painted lettering on memorials naturally fades over time due to sun and weather. We carefully hand-paint using high-quality, stone-safe paints that match the original colour and bring the inscription back to its original clarity and style.
Re-Gilding
If the inscription was originally gilded, we offer a 23ct gold leaf re-gilding service. Our trained team applies the gold leaf with precision to restore the lettering to its former glory. We also offer a specialist stone mason’s gold paint for a more affordable option. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like advice on which would suit best.
Lead Lettering Touch-Ups
Although full lead letter replacement is now a very rare skill, we can repaint missing letters using a carefully matched colour which produces a neat, highly readable finish. If you prefer full lead restoration we can refer you to a few trusted specialists.
Every memorial is unique, so we’re happy to tailor a service to suit what you need.
See the Difference | Our Grave Restoration Portfolio
Over the years we’ve been privileged to help families across Auckland restore and care for their loved ones’ resting places. Our before-and-after gallery shows just how transformative gentle, respectful restoration can be. It’s not just about cleaning, it’s about bringing dignity and pride back to a very special place.
We know that arranging grave restoration or maintenance can feel a little unfamiliar, and it’s completely normal to have questions.
To help make things easier, we’ve put together answers to some of the questions we’re most commonly asked.
If your question isn’t listed below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Can you restore historic or antique gravestones?
Yes, we specialise in the restoration and conservation of historic gravestones. These require special care and adherence to preservation guidelines to maintain historical integrity. We always use appropriate techniques to protect the stone’s age and character.
Do you offer grave decoration or seasonal tribute services?
Yes. We offer custom decoration services, such as placing flowers, wreaths, flags, or other memorial items for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Perfect for families who can’t visit.
Do you work with families who live out of Auckland or New Zealand?
Yes. We frequently help families who live far from their loved one’s grave. We can handle everything from assessment to restoration, and provide before-and-after photos and regular updates so you stay informed from a distance.
Can you help me locate an old or unmarked grave?
In most cases, yes. If you have the cemetery name, name of the loved one and their date of birth or death plot, we can assist in locating a grave. Plot information and burial records are also useful although not necessary. We collaborate with cemetery staff when needed.
Are your services environmentally friendly?
Yes. We use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning agents and avoid harmful chemicals that can damage stones or nearby soil. Preservation is our top priority - for the stone, the cemetery, and the environment.
Are your methods approved by historical or preservation societies?
Yes. We follow best practices set by the RSA, We never use bleach, water blasters, or abrasive tools that can damage stones.
