completion - burial options

burial options in New Zealand

Because your baby died before 20 weeks gestation, there are no legal requirements governing what you can or can not do. Neither the birth or the death need registering, unless your baby weighs more than 400 grams or was born alive. Loss after 20 weeks is referred to as a 'still-birth' and in New Zealand requires registering as a birth and having a death certificate issued.

Burial
You can bury your baby's remains wherever you choose. Many choose their own garden and plant something to commemorate the spot. Consider choosing a plant you could take cuttings from should you ever move. Alternatively, a garden seat or water feature would be a peaceful commemoration. Some parents choose a corner of their garden that is already special and bury everything without any particular marker. If you live in a rental property or apartment, you can use a large pot suitable for a deck or balcony.

Cremation
You may choose to have your baby's remains cremated and scatter the ashes at a place that is meaningful to you. Or the ashes could be buried in the garden or in a pot under a plant. Ashes can even be incorporated into an indoor plant, such as the Peace Lily.

Contact a funeral director to arrange for cremation. Search under 'Funeral Directors' in your area yellowpages.co.nz. There will be a fee of approximately $75 for this service and you will get about a teaspoon of ashes. Most cemeteries have a special area dedicated to babies where you could bury your little one or scatter its ashes. You can visit any time you wish.

If you can't decide, put everything in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer until you have made up your mind. Another option is to take the container to a funeral parlour and ask if they could cool store it for you.

Auckland Cemetery Information

Manukau
Have a ‘Tree of Memories’ which is made of bronze set on a brick wall which a bronze leaf can be attached to with a baby’s name on it. Please enquire for current charges. Ph. 90 279 8232

Mangere
‘Oak Tree Garden’ which is rose bushes sprinkled with babies ashes usually from National Women’s Hospital but others on request. People also leave soft toys attached to an Oak Tree. There is a memorial wall also. Cremations on request. Please enquire for current charges. Ph. 09 275 4822

Purewa (Meadowbank)
Memorial Garden for ashes and a place for a plaque. Please enquire for current charges. Ph. 09 528 5599

Waikumete (Glen Eden)
Plaque Memorial Wall. Please enquire for current charges for space. Cost of the plaque extra and not put up by them. Ph. 09 818 5615

North Shore Memorial Park (Schnapper Rock)
Childrens section 3 on R/H side.
Ph. 09 415 9646

Auckland Memorial Park (Silverdale)
Work in progress, Ph 0800 006688

ACC
Only has a place for a coffin for ‘Stillbirths’ 610 x 900 suitable for a small coffin or a memorial garden.

SANDS
May have other coffin options available. Ph. 415 9646

choosing a name | seeing your baby | burial options in New Zealand
saying goodbye | what happens to the baby's soul?

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