Question 1

What is cremation?

Accepted Answer

Cremation is a method for preparing the deceased for memorialisation. Scientifically speaking, it is a process of reducing a deceased human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.

Question 2

What is direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

A direct cremation - also known as a basic cremation, bare cremation, simple cremation, or no service no attendance cremation - is a cremation option with no funeral service or ceremony included. Value Cremations is a brand that provides these cremation services to our customers.

Question 3

Does Value Cremation offer direct cremations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do. For more information please contact us in your region below:

NORTH ISLAND

Auckland
Waikato
Bay of Plenty
Taranaki
Hawkes Bay
Wellington

SOUTH ISLAND

Nelson
Marlborough
Canterbury
Otago
Dunedin

Question 4

Does cremation replace a funeral?

Accepted Answer

You can have a cremation with or without a funeral.

Our cremations do not include a funeral. Instead, you might choose to hold a wake or a memorial service at a later date.

If you do want a funeral as well as a cremation, we recommend using;

NORTH ISLAND

Auckland - Morrisons Funerals
Waikato - Pellows Funeral Directors
Bay of Plenty - Elliotts Funeral Services
Hawkes Bay - Beth Shan Funerals
Taranaki - Vospers Funeral Services
Wellington - Gee & Hickton Funeral Services

SOUTH ISLAND

Question 5

Can we have a viewing if we want a cremation?

Accepted Answer

Value Cremations do not provide the option for viewings.

Question 6

Can I still have a memorial service if I use cremation?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Depending on the family's wishes, a memorial service can take place any time after the cremation.

Question 7

What religions allow cremations?

Accepted Answer

Christian denominations approve cremation, and it is the preferred method among Hindus and many Buddhists. However, is usually not acceptable within Orthodox Judaism, Islam and Eastern Orthodox.

The Roman Catholic Church no longer considers there to be a danger that Christian cremation will be associated with non-Christian belief, or with a denial of such doctrines as the resurrection of the body, immortality of the soul, and the existence of eternal life. The Catholic Church recommends cremated remains are disposed of in a way that indicates respect for the body of the deceased person.

Question 8

What is the cremation process?

Accepted Answer

Speaking to a Value Cremations Consultant
The first step to arranging a cremation with Value Cremations is to speak to our trained and experienced staff in your region. They can help you through the process of organising the cremation. Our team will do as much as they possibly can to make it easier on you and your family. They will speak to you about the arrangement process and ask for information required for the paperwork, such as the name of the deceased, their date of birth and where they currently are so that further arrangements can be made.
Transfer of the Deceased
The next step is to uplift and transfer the deceased and bring them into the care of Value Cremations. After dressing, the deceased will then be transported to the crematorium for the cremation.
The Value Cremations package includes transferring the deceased within a 50km radius of our service areas, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Transfer outside of these times and area radius may be available at an additional cost if required. This is something Value Cremations will confirm with you when you first speak with us. The deceased will then be dressed at our premises and transported to the crematorium in preparation for the cremation.
Arranging the Required Paperwork
Value Cremations will arrange the necessary paperwork required for the cremation service we offer, so you do not need to worry about it. The paperwork includes the certificates and permission for the cremation from the medical referee, the Death Certificate and the registration of death to Births, Deaths & Marriages here in New Zealand. We will need to ask you for some of the deceased's personal details for the required application and registration forms.
The Cremation
Value Cremations only works with reputable and accredited crematoria across New Zealand. These crematoria have highly trained staff with years of experience so you can rest assured that all care is taken. Once the cremation is completed, the ashes will be placed in an ash container or urn, and you will receive a notification from either the crematorium or us when the ashes are ready for collection.
Collecting the Ashes and Memorialisation Options
After the cremation has finished, you will be contacted regarding the ashes. This is usually a week or so after the cremation has taken place. This is also the time when we may speak to you about what you might like to do with the ashes as there are several options available for memorialising your loved one.

Question 9

How long does cremation take?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Is embalming required before cremation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

How is the body prepared for a cremation?

Accepted Answer

Value Cremations allows for the identification of the deceased, removal of battery operated equipment, basic hygiene preparation as required and encoffining of the deceased for cremation.

Question 12

Is more than one person cremated at the same time?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Is a casket/coffin required for cremation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What happens to the coffin in a cremation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What happens to the cremated remains?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What can I do with the ashes?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

How long before one can pick up the cremated remains?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the ashes are available to pick up within a week of the cremation taking place.

Question 18

How much does cremation cost?

Accepted Answer

We have cremation packages available by region. The exact cost of cremation depends on factors such as your region, whether an oversize coffin is required, transport if outside the 70km area, or if collection of the deceased is after hours.

Question 19

Must I buy an urn?

Accepted Answer

No, you are not required to buy an urn from Value Cremations or the crematorium. The ashes are returned to the family in a temporary container if an urn wasn’t given in advance by the family.

Question 20

Why are prices different per city?

Accepted Answer

As we work with a number of different suppliers across New Zealand, and due to varying costs in each region, the price we are able to offer also varies slightly by region.

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