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Cremation:

The remains after the cremation are known as the ASHES.   A decision needs to be made, by the family, on the final placement these ashes.

The ashes are returned from the crematorium in a metal or plastic container which may differ in size and shape depending on which crematorium was used. These ashes are guaranteed to be those of the person named on the container.

The final placement of the ashes is often a difficult decision for the family and one that requires considerable thought. We have details of the cost of various options and photographs of the choices available at all local cemeteries.

The following is intended to be a brief guide on some of the options available for the final placement of the ashes. The staff at our funeral home are always available to discuss ashes disposal with your family and help implement their decision.

Scattering:

Ashes may be scattered wherever the family choose.

Some commonly chosen sites are:

At the Crematorium:

The scattering is carried out by the crematorium staff. The location is dependent on the particular crematorium. Crematoriums may use rose gardens or special designated sites in their grounds. Your funeral director will advise you on the site used and whether you can be present when this occurs.

At Sea:

This can be arranged by the funeral home. There may be a fee for this. The ashes are scattered at the earliest opportunity. If preferred, family may uplift the ashes from the funeral directors and arrange to scatter the ashes themselves.

On a Family Grave:

The ashes may be scattered on a family grave. This may be at a local cemetery or one outside the area. Your funeral director will advise you on any costs or requirements of the particular cemetery.

Any other place:

There are many other places of significance for families. Sports grounds, bowling clubs, golf courses, favourite picnic spots, a local reserve or park, or the grounds of the family home are just some of the options commonly chosen. Your funeral director can help by obtaining permission and arranging for the scattering. Family members may wish to be present at the scattering

Interment:

Ashes may be interred (placed) in the ground or into a niche in an Ashes Wall. Families may wish to attend the ashes interment. Often the clergy or celebrant is also invited to attend and conduct a brief ceremony. Options may vary depending on the cemetery.

Generally the following options are available :

Existing plots:

Ashes may be interred into existing plots owned by the family.

Ashes plots:

These plots are available for purchase at most cemeteries. They are designed exclusively for ashes and can accommodate a number of ashes containers. A bronze, or granite plaque or granite headstone may be placed on the plot. Your funeral director can advise on prices and regulations for each cemetery.

Unmarked plots:

This is not available at all cemeteries. Where available, the ashes are placed in a lawn area with details of their precise location kept at the cemetery office. There is no provision for any memorial.

Returned Service Members:

Most cemeteries have a memorial wall or specific area set aside for Returned Services members and their spouses to be interred. These plots are marked with a standard War Graves Bronze Plaque. Your funeral director will arrange the plaque with the department of Internal Affairs.

Public ashes niches:

These niches are available at some cemeteries. Your funeral director will advise on availability, cost and other criteria.

Returned to Family:

Family may desire to have the ashes returned to them. They may wish to arrange to have the ashes scattered or inter them in a chosen spot. Some families keep the ashes in the family home. If required the funeral director is able to provide a choice of urns to keep the ashes in. These come with an engraved name-plate and are suitable to have on display in the family home. If these ashes are to be taken overseas for interment or scattering, a Certificate of Cremation is required. This can be obtained from the Crematorium Authority by your funeral director.

Monumental Work:

An important consideration when discussing the disposal of ashes is the need to provide a lasting memorial to the one who has died. This memorial is important in providing a focal point for memories and is tangible evidence of the deceased for future generations. Often the choice of a memorial is closely linked to the place or method of disposal of the ashes. It may take the form of a plaque or headstone on a niche or plot. Most crematoriums have a Book of Remembrance in which the name and date of the deceased may be entered. We can offer advice and pricing details. Please contact your nearest Funeral Director. Our funeral directors are able to help you with all your monument work.