Is Cremation The Answer To The Rising Costs Of Cemetery Plots?

Over the last three years, an increasing number of Pasifika are sending their deceased to the Cook Island and Samoa for burial. The number rose by 36% or from 185 to 282 because the high cost of a cemetery plot in Auckland.

According to funeral director, FaapoLigaliga, every year the cemetery costs are rising in Auckland with the average price per burial plot at about $5,500 making it cheaper to send the deceased’s body to the islands for burial. Even if there are added costs like freight and the travel expenses for the family that wishes to accompany the funeral, it is still more affordable to hold the burial in an island.

However, for the Pasifika, the reason is not always about cost but the connection with the land and the family that still stays in the islands.

In the last 3 years, there were at least 98 repatriations to Rarotonga increasing by 19%. According to Robert Muriwai from South Auckland Funeral Services, he was approached by the Cooks Island government that had serious concerns regarding the growing numbers.

A huge amount of land is being taken up by the people who want their deceased loved ones to be buried in the island. Cook Islands want a cremation service as an alternative to the traditional burial in the cemetery plot. According to Muriwai, a joint venture is being considered but it will likely require an investment of $200,000. When he returns to Rarotonga, he will hold a meeting with the government to discuss the proposal in detail.

Cremation is now outpacing traditional burial because of the cost. Cremation is a lot cheaper than burial that requires a casket, embalmment and a cemetery plot. Cremation has become a more practical and sensible choice for families.

When the deceased is cremated, you have the option to use an urn for the ashes or cremation jewellery. There is wide range of cremation jewellery in Perth to choose from. You can opt for a stunning ruby made from ashes or jewellerycross that allows you keep the deceased close to your heart for always.