What You Can Do with Cremated Ashes

Kiwi Owned & Locally Based

Making the difficult decision of what to do with human ashes after cremation is never easy, but you don’t have to decide what to do immediately. You can store ashes in a box or urn until you decide. Here are some options you may want to consider.

Storing and displaying ashes

Unless you’ve already made other plans, ashes received back from a crematorium or funeral home will be in a simple box. If you choose to keep ashes at home, you can purchase an urn or other container to store them in or you could opt to have something custom made, or even make something yourself. Just be sure you keep the ashes dry and away from humidity if possible.

Locations for scattering or burial

If you want to scatter or bury ashes on private property, you must have permission. Local councils have different rules around the scattering of ashes in parks or gardens following memorial services, but most prohibit the scattering of ashes in areas of high public use like sports grounds. Contact your local council to check specific rules.

Some cultures may have specific beliefs about scattering ashes in waterways and again, the rules on this vary. In Māori, for example this would be considered culturally inappropriate, so it’s a good idea to check beforehand.

There are privately owned gardens that provide areas for scattering ashes after cremation in and around Auckland. You can even opt to have ashes sent into space!

Scattering or burial at a cemetery

Lots of cemeteries these days have Ash plots for direct burials, or burials within an urn. Your council will have different rules for burying, scattering or interring ashes. Here are the four main options:

Attended scattering where floured ones can attend.
Unattended scattering where a member of staff scatters ashes on your behalf.
Attended ash interment where you purchase a small plot and then can bury the urn or ash into the earth with loved ones.
Unattended ash interment is performed by cemetery staff, where the ashes are buried in a biodegradable urn on your behalf.

As you can see, there are a wide range of options available to you when it comes to ashes after cremation. If you have any questions or would like to enquire about our services, please get in touch.

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