Cremation
The process
Many people aren't sure how a cremation is carried out, what's required or how long everything takes
In cremation, the deceased is placed in a casket or on a shroud board with a solid base, which is then placed in a cremator. High temperatures and a process called “cremulation” are used to create fine ashes, which are then sealed in an urn.
This process is usually completed and the ashes available after one working day; if you need your loved one’s ashes sooner than this, let us know and we will find out what is possible. There may be an extra “expediting” fee charged by the crematorium.
You have lots of options
Sometimes we book the crematorium for a day or two after the funeral service, for families’ personal reasons or due to booking availability. Other times, family want to have the cremation first, and the funeral service afterwards.
To read more about the ifs, buts and maybes of a cremation, read our article about cremation, committals and what might be possible.
Crematoria
There are crematoria at Karori, Whenua Tapu and Akatarawa
Each facility has their own booking systems and pricing – we can talk you through what’s available.
The time used to say a final goodbye to a loved one at the crematorium is called the ”committal”. Each crematorium has a chapel (Karori has two, one larger and one small). The chapel can be booked for an hour-long service or a 30-minute committal; this will incur an extra fee from the crematorium.
How it works
There are many different ways to arrange a cremation.
Some families have their entire funeral service in the crematorium chapel, while others hold the service elsewhere and invite immediate family and very close friends to attend the committal afterwards.
Sometimes families follow the hearse to the crematorium for a “delivery with family present”, where they can gather for a few minutes before the crematorium staff take their loved one to that final step in the journey. Others want to say goodbye at the funeral venue and remain there while the deceased is driven to cremation by Stu or Mary.
At the arrangement meeting, we will talk you through the options and help you decide what would be best for you.
What can’t be cremated
There are some things that can’t go with the deceased through the cremation process, as they are likely to damage the cremator machine. These include: a pacemaker (if the deceased has one, we will remove it for them), any glass larger than spectacles or a watch face, or anything with a battery.
Another thing the crematorium staff will watch out for is unusual paints or varnishes on the casket. These can create smoke when cremated, which can lead to complaints from neighbours. If the casket components are out of the ordinary, we’ll discuss the specifications at the arrangement meeting.
Direct cremation
Direct cremation is when cremation takes place without a service beforehand
Unlike online direct cremation services, you still the personal care and attention of Mary or Stu. We will make a time to transfer your loved one into our care, prepare them (wash, dress and place in a simple casket) and transport them for cremation. And we’ll sit with you in person to take care of the required paperwork, so you don’t have to figure it out by yourself online.
No matter what service we’re providing, your loved one is always treated with the greatest of respect and dignity when they’re in our care.
Because there’s no funeral service and the cremation takes place at a time of our and the crematorium’s convenience (family don’t attend), we offer a discounted Direct Cremation “package”. Get the details on our Costs page.
Direct cremation may be the right choice for you, for any number of practical or emotional reasons.
What to do when someone dies
Whether a death is expected or not, it’s normal to feel shock. You don’t have to rush. Give us a call and we’ll talk you through what happens next.
We’ll arrange to bring your loved one into our care and make a time to sit down with you. Our expert Funeral Directors will guide you through the many decisions that need to be made after a death.