After cremation
Weighing approximately 3 to 4 kilograms per person, ashes are composed primarily of bone mineral fragments, with calcium phosphate making up about 73%, then 11% of sulphate, 3.69% of potassium, just over 1% of sodium and 1% chloride. The remainder are trace elements including; silica, aluminium oxide and magnesium.
They have the same pH level as bleach and contain roughly 1½ cups of salt, making them toxic to plant life and soil ecosystems.
Any metal fragments or implants are removed from the ash and recycled with permission (or sometimes returned to the family on request).
At a temperature of between 800 C° and 1150 C° the coffin combusts to nothing.
Ash options
We usually collect the ashes (cremated remains) from the crematorium on your behalf and bring them home to you.
The ashes from Karori Crematorium are uniquely presented in a hexagonally shaped wooden box outer, containing a plastic resealable container.
From Whenua Tapu, the ashes are contained in a neutral plastic container as standard, there is an option to purchase a crafted rectangular wooden urn.
If you wish to keep the ashes at home, Broadbent & May can transfer them into any shaped vessel which can adequately contain a volume of approximately 4 litres.
The vessel can be anything; ceramic, wood or metal, with a sealed lid.
We can split the ashes for you into separate containers if desired. If you wish to scatter the ashes, they can remain in the original container.
If the ashes are to be interred at a cemetery, they can remain in the wooden urn or be transferred into a container with suitable dimensions for the designated plot.
Scattering ashes in Wellington
Wellington City Council has guidelines about scattering ashes in public places.
Travelling overseas
To travel overseas with the ashes, a Certificate of Cremation is required from the funeral company or crematorium, certifying the contents. The ashes need to be in a securely sealed, airtight container. For safety, we recommend that they travel with you as hand luggage.