Choosing Between Burial and Cremation

One of the first decisions you will need to make is the choice between burial and cremation. This is not a decision to be taken lightly or made quickly. Some people ensure their personal wishes are known to family members while they are still alive, but in some cases the family left behind must make the decision.

Cremation

There are several advantages to cremation. One of the most significant is the lower cost. If the person has died overseas, cremation makes the repatriation of the ashes easier and less expensive.

It is also an appropriate choice where there is insufficient space in an established family burial plot to place a casket, but sufficient space for an ashes urn.

After a cremation there are a number of options available for the ashes, which we can discuss with you.

Burial

If you choose a burial, the next question to be decided is where this will take place. Is there an existing grave, or will a new plot be required?

There are two types of cemeteries: those owned by local authorities and those operated by trusts.

Burial at sea is a further option. There are only a few sites around New Zealand with the only one in the South Island off the coast of Christchurch.

Natural burials are now available in Dunedin at Green Park Cemetery. If you would like to find out more about natural burials, visit: www.dunedin.govt.nz/naturalburials or www.naturalburials.co.nz