Water Cremation Set for Christchurch Next Year

Water Cremation Aotearoa has been campaigning for more than six years for water cremation to be allowed in New Zealand. A greener method that produces less carbon emissions than regular flame cremation. The process involves the deceased being wrapped in wool and then placed into what is known as the resomator, a large metal tank where the service is done. Inside the resomator, alongside the deceased, is a mixture of 95% water and 5% alkaline solution that causes the decomposition.

The Director of Water Cremation Aotearoa, Deborah Richards, knows that people have been waiting for that greener option.

“People want something that’s more environmentally friendly… there is no carbon emission from this process itself.”

There is only 24kg of carbon emission which is when the resonator is produced. Compare this to the 240kg of carbon emission released from flame cremation and you can see why it is known as a greener option.

Bell, Lamb & Trotter, a funeral service provider, has been situated in Christchurch for over 100 years and partnered with Water Cremation to bring it to the city. Andrew Bell, the Funeral Director at Bell, Lamb & Trotter, says they are currently working on prices comparing it to flame cremation.

“From what we’ve looked at so far, it will be comparable in most situations so about the same and in a lot of situations it’ll be less.”

One of the main things that brings the price up for flame cremation is the casket. While the casket is burnt alongside the body for flame cremations, no casket is destroyed in water cremations. Andrew has had people in the past ask why are they paying for a casket if it's going to be burned. Without the loss of the casket, it becomes a cheaper option.

With approval from the Christchurch City Council, all they have to do is wait for the resomator to get to Christchurch from the United Kingdom in early January next year.