Cemeteries and Crematorium

You are here > Home > A-Z of Council Services > Cemeteries and Crematorium > Cremation Procedures

Cremation Procedures

Cemeteries And Crematorium | Cemetery Search | Burial Procedures | Cemeteries and Crematorium Fees and Charges | Cemeteries and Crematorium Map

How to apply for a cremation

When applying for a cremation the applicant (usually a close relation or the executor for the deceased) will be required to complete the following two forms:

Application for Cremation
This form includes full information about the deceased and the manner of their passing. There is a list of items prohibited for cremation that must be read as part of the application’s declaration.
The Register of Cremations
This is required in duplicate and describes the family’s wishes regarding the collection of the ashes after cremation. The applicant is asked to state their relationship with the deceased and confirm that the family has been consulted regarding the cremation and how the ashes will be disposed of following cremation.

Prohibited items for cremation

To prevent the risk of explosions and the release of carcinogens or fumes during cremations, a number of things are not allowed to be placed within coffins.

When you are preparing your loved one for cremation please make sure none of the following items are included or that they can be easily removed by Funeral Director or family before cremation.

Alcohol.
Ammunition or explosive material.
Batteries.
Crash helmets and hardhats.
Die cast metals, aluminium and copper (large items only).
Footwear made from PVC/rubber.
Garden spades, forks etc.
Lighters.
Laptop computers.
Mattresses.
Mobile phones.
Motorcycle leathers.
Pacemakers.
Prosthetic limbs.
PVC (in all forms).
Soft toys over 300mm long.
Wet suits and surfboards.
Products containing polystyrene foams.
Products that are volatile.

Return to top

If you have any questions please contact your funeral director.

Memorials

The size of the headstone or plaque is dependent on the type of plot purchased. Ash plots have limited capacity for more than one memorial, whereas full size burial plots offer more space for memorials.
All memorial installations require a Council permit. To arrange a memorial contact a monumental mason or memorial supplier who can advise you on the options available.
The Book of Remembrance contains the name and date of death of each deceased person cremated at the Taranaki Crematorium. This book is maintained by the council and held at the chapel.

What happens to the ashes after the cremation?

After the cremation has taken place, the deceased’s remains are returned to the family in an urn. (Even though it is referred to as an urn, it is actually a sturdy plastic container.) Your funeral director can arrange the purchase of a decorative urn.

The urn will have a label displaying the name of the deceased person and the consecutive number. This reference number links the deceased with all Council and statutory records.

Ashes are collected by your funeral director but you may contact the Council to make arrangements for collection and/or interring at the crematorium

What can you do with ashes after the cremation?

Ashes may be placed in the Gardens of Remembrance at the Taranaki Crematorium. This area has no plaques or headstones and ashes are interred in the gardens without a marker. Crematorium attendants carry out this task for you or you can contact the council to arrange a time to inter the ashes yourself.
Ashes may be buried in a plot at any of the New Plymouth district cemeteries (see the Burial Information brochure for more information).
Ashes are only released to the Funeral Director or applicant for the cremation. At any time, ashes can be interred in a cemetery or ash plot or interred in the Gardens of Remembrance.