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cremation funeral services

There are cremation laws in NZ that you should be aware of, especially if you’re thinking of opting for cremation for yourself or for a loved one. Cremations are a popular choice for many Kiwis, with statistics showing that approximately 70% of Kiwis are cremated after death. 

So, what do you need to know?

Join Bay Cremation Care as we explore the various cremation requirements in NZ and what they mean!   

Documents Required

There are a number of different documents that are required when a body is going to be cremated. Cremation Regulations 1973 state that you’ll need documents such as the:

  • Certificate of Cause of Death/Coroner’s Order for Disposal of Body – this will be needed when you apply for a cremation at your local council
  • Application for Cremation – also known as Form A, this will need to be completed and signed at your local council office
  • Certificate of Medical Practitioner or Nurse Practitioner – known as Form B, this will need to be given to and signed by the doctor or nurse who identified the body
  • Permission to Cremate Form – regarded as Form F, this will need to be signed by the local council or crematorium operator

Casket 

The deceased can be cremated in a casket, and potentially along with combustible mementos. This means that non-combustible items will not be allowed to be placed inside the casket with the deceased. According to the Auckland Council’s Ministry of Health regulations, the casket can be held up to 48 hours in a refrigerated room.

Please note that casket guidelines and time frames might differ depending on your local council.

Ashes

After cremation, you’ll receive the cremated remains in an urn of your choice. Please be mindful that you might not be able to scatter your loved one’s ashes wherever you want—take into consideration the owner of the land and your loved one’s wishes.

If you’re looking for meaningful cremation funeral services, Bay Cremation Care is the cremation company to turn to. With our funeral directors by your side, we can help you arrange the perfect funeral service for a loved one, that not only meets your needs, but is also compliant with relevant NZ laws and regulations. Learn more about our cremation services by getting in touch with us today.