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Cemeteries

Family-led cremation or burial

We know that arranging a cremation or burial for someone you love can be a difficult and emotional time.

If your whānau/family has chosen to make the arrangements yourselves, our cemetery team is here to support you and guide you through each step.

However, there are a few things to consider and legal requirements we have to follow to consider before making that decision, including the style, size and shape of caskets and what it can be made out of, that is allowed.

This page you will find out more about:

  • what needs to be arranged before this can take place
  • what forms you need to fill out
  • who you need to contact if you need help along the way.

We recognise there is a lot to think about when arranging a cremation or burial, especially at a time of loss.

If you are unsure about any part of the process, or need help understanding what is required, please contact our cemetery team on:

Family-led cremation

As with all cremations, you will need to complete the Cremation Application Form, which includes several different forms.  The person making the application is responsible for filling these out and if required, contacting the medical referee.

As a result of customer feedback, we’ve bundled up all the required forms into one location as follows.

  • Form A: Application for cremation (completed by the family). 
  • Form B & AB or BA: Certificate of medical practitioner & Certificate in relation to pacemakers and other biomechanical aids. (Completed by the Doctor and/or Nurse Practitioner). You only need to complete Form AB or BA, not both.
  • Form F: Permission to cremate (Completed by Appointed Medical Referee)
  • Form H: Register of Cremations. (Completed by the family)

NOTE All documents must be sent to Medical Referee lesterkelly@icloud.com in a single transmission so they can grant permission to cremate.

Cremation Application Form

Family-led Cremation Fact Sheet

Other information 

Family-led burial


Application for Burial Form

Family-led Burial Fact Sheet

Page last updated: 12:44pm Mon 28 September 2026

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06 759 6060 enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
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84 Liardet Street
New Plymouth

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