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The exact time taken to cremate will depend on many factors including body mass, bone density and the materials from which the coffin is manufactured. The average time for an adult cremation is 90 minutes at a temperature of between 800 and 1000 degree Celsius.

From insertion to final cooling the cremation process may take up to four hours.

No, New Zealand laws do not mandate embalming prior to cremation. Proper refrigeration technique eliminates that need. The family may opt for embalming when having a funeral service or a viewing.

Only one person is ever cremated at a time. The only exception could be in the case of a mother and baby or twin children. In those instances, approval is sought from the Ministry of Health prior to the cremation.

It is a legal requirement to use a coffin or casket as all crematories require the deceased to be cremated in a combustible, leak-proof, rigid and covered container.

Depending on the region, Value Cremations uses slightly different basic coffins as part of the Value Cremations package.

The coffin or casket is cremated with the body during the cremation process. The heat and duration of the process means that the only thing that is left are materials that do not combust which are the metal parts from the coffin. These remaining materials are removed from the ashes before they are given back to the family.

The cremated remains are referred to as ashes. They are removed into a metal container and allowed to cool after cremation. Once cooled, the ashes are loaded into a homogeniser where they are finely ground down before being packed into a plastic container. They are then placed in the urn that the family provides or in a temporary container.

After a body is cremated the ashes are usually memorialised in a permanent cremation memorial site. Even when they are returned to the family for scattering, it is common for a small amount to be permanently memorialised so that the family and future generations have somewhere they can visit and pay tribute to their loved one. When you collect the ashes from your crematorium, please talk to them about what cremation memorial options exist.

If you don't wish to have a cremation memorial, there are some other options available. These include scattering ashes, keeping them at home in an urn and placing them in cremation jewellery. Take your time to choose something that brings you and your family peace of mind.