Gentle, Straight forward Cremation Care
Cremation services Ruakākā is a quiet, dignified option chosen by many families in Ruakaka, Bream Bay and across Northland. For some, it’s about simplicity. For others, it reflects a loved one’s own wishes, or suits a smaller, more private farewell.
Whichever the reason, Whittakers Funerals is here to guide you through cremation with the same care we bring to every family we support.
The Simple Cremation Care Package: What’s Included
Our Simple Cremation Care Package is from $2,800 + GST, and is designed for families who want a straightforward, unattended cremation without a formal service or viewing.
Uplift of your loved one
A simple care cremation casket
Dressing of your loved one by our staff
All documentation and administration paperwork
Cremation booking and paperwork
Organising the doctor and medical referee paperwork, and any viewings if needed
Transfer to Maunu Crematorium
Registration of death
Collection of ashes
This package does not include a funeral service or a family viewing, which keeps it simple and more affordable for families who don’t require these elements.
What Happens During Cremation Services Ruakākā
Once your loved one is in our care, we take care of every step. This includes gently dressing your loved one, completing the necessary medical referee and doctor’s paperwork required by law for a cremation, and booking the cremation itself.
Your loved one is transferred to Maunu Crematorium, where the cremation takes place. Because cremation involves specific legal paperwork, including sign-off from a second, independent doctor known as the medical referee, this process takes a little longer to arrange than a burial. We manage all of this on your behalf.
Once the cremation has taken place, we collect the ashes and arrange for them to be returned to your family, in an urn of your choosing from our range of urns.
Who Chooses a Simple Cremation
A simple cremation often suits families who: Have already held a memorial gathering, or plan to hold one later without needing the body present Prefer a smaller, more private farewell without a formal funeral service Are managing costs carefully and want a straightforward, transparent option Know their loved one specifically wished for a simple, unattended cremation There’s no right or wrong way to farewell someone. This option simply gives families flexibility.
Collecting Ashes and What Comes Next
Once ashes are ready for collection, we’ll let you know and arrange the handover with care. Many families choose to keep ashes at home, scatter them somewhere meaningful, or inter them at a later date. Our Caskets and Urns range includes a variety of urns, from simple options to New Zealand handcrafted designs.
Want a Fuller Service? You Can Combine the Two
Choosing cremation doesn’t mean you have to go without a service. Many families choose cremation but still want a funeral or memorial gathering beforehand, with a viewing, a casket presentation, and time for whānau and friends to gather.
If that sounds like what your family needs, our Family Care Package covers a complete funeral service, with cremation as the option at the end, for $4,950 + GST. We’re happy to talk through both options so you can choose what feels right.
Cremation Services Ruakākā | Whittakers Funerals
Simple, respectful cremation services in Ruakaka from $2,800 +GST. Clear pricing, caring guidance. Talk with Eldon and Leslee today.
Transparent Pricing, Always
As with all our services, additional costs may apply in some circumstances, for example if a family requests cremation at a crematorium other than Maunu, or needs transport outside the Whangarei and Ruakaka areas. We always discuss these clearly with you before anything is booked. Cremation fees must be paid before the day of service.
Common questions answered
How much does cremation cost in Ruakaka?
Whittakers Funerals’ Simple Cremation Care Package costs $2,800 + GST, which includes the cremation fee itself, uplift, a simple casket, dressing, all paperwork, and collection of ashes. Additional costs may apply in some circumstances, such as transport outside the Whangarei and Ruakaka areas.
Does the Simple Cremation Care Package include a funeral service?
No, the Simple Cremation Care Package does not include a funeral service or family viewing, which is what keeps it a simpler, more affordable option. If you would like a full service before cremation, our Family Care Package covers this instead.
Where do cremations take place?
Cremations arranged through Whittakers Funerals take place at Maunu Crematorium. We handle the transfer, booking, and all necessary paperwork on your behalf.
Can I still have a viewing if I choose cremation?
Yes, if you would like a viewing, this can be arranged as part of a fuller service through our Family Care Package. The Simple Cremation Care Package does not include a viewing, but every arrangement can be tailor-made to suit your family.
How long does the cremation process usually take to arrange?
Cremation requires additional legal paperwork, including sign-off from an independent medical referee, so it typically takes a little longer to arrange than a burial. We manage this process for you and will keep you informed of timing along the way.
What happens to the ashes after cremation?
After the cremation, we collect the ashes from Maunu Crematorium and arrange for them to be returned to your family in an urn of your choosing. Many families choose to keep ashes at home, scatter them somewhere meaningful, or inter them at a later date.
Whittakers Funerals
25 Kepa Road
Ruakākā
New Zealand
0800 000 929