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 quicker 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, for personal reasons or because of booking availability, we book the crematorium for a day or two after the funeral service. 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
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.
For some families, it’s importantto say one last goodbye together, so Mary or Stu can be the one to bring your loved to the crematorium for committal. For others, there isn’t much more to be said but they want to be there the whole way, so book what’s called a “delivery with family present” – family can gather at the back of the hearse for a few minutes before the crematorium staff take their loved one to that final step.
There are so many options and different ways to have a cremation. At the arrangement meeting, Mary or Stu will talk you through the options and help you decide what will 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 paint or varnish on the casket. These can create smoke when cremated, which can lead to complaints from neighbours. If the casket or its finish is 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
This usually means that our team will transfer the deceased into our care, prepare them (wash, dress and place in a simple casket) and transport them for cremation once the paperwork is complete.
We then return your loved one’s ashes and Death Certificate in due course.
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.