When families on Auckland’s North Shore are faced with the loss of a loved one, one of the most important decisions they make is how best to say goodbye. Increasingly, many are turning to cremation for its simplicity, flexibility, and ability to suit a variety of personal, spiritual, and financial needs. At Rowley Funerals in Devonport, we are here to guide you through your cremation options, offering personalised support to help you make the right choice for your family.
Why Cremation?
Cremation has become an increasingly popular option throughout New Zealand. It provides flexibility for families, particularly those who want to separate the timing of a farewell ceremony from the final disposition of remains. It can also be more cost-effective and environmentally conscious, and allows for a range of memorial options that aren’t tied to a cemetery.
Full Funeral Service with Cremation
At Rowley Funerals, many families choose to have a full funeral service followed by cremation. This typically involves a ceremony at a venue such as a chapel, church, or community hall. Family and friends gather to reflect on a life lived, to share stories, and to grieve together.
After the service, the cremation takes place, and the ashes are returned to the family in a respectful, dignified manner. Some families choose to scatter the ashes in a place that was meaningful to the deceased, while others keep them in an urn or inter them in a memorial garden or columbarium.
This option suits families who value tradition and the communal aspect of a formal gathering, but who still prefer cremation to burial.
One-Venue Cremation Services
Another common choice is the one-venue cremation service, where the farewell takes place at a single location before the cremation is conducted privately. This is a simpler and more streamlined option that often feels more personal and intimate. It suits families who want to reduce travel between sites and maintain a focused, meaningful ceremony.
Unattended Cremation (Direct Cremation North Shore)
For those looking for a simpler, lower-cost option, unattended cremation is also available. Sometimes referred to as direct cremation, this involves the cremation taking place without a service or attendees present. Families can then choose to hold a memorial gathering or celebration of life at a later time, on their own terms.
This choice is becoming more popular among those who prefer a non-traditional approach or wish to keep arrangements modest. Rowley Funerals ensures the same level of respect and care, regardless of how simple or elaborate the arrangement.
Memorial Services
Cremation allows families the flexibility to host a memorial service after the cremation has taken place. This could be weeks or even months later, which is especially helpful when loved ones are overseas or need time to travel.
Memorial services can be held anywhere — a beach, family home, park, or community centre. They can be formal or informal, religious or secular. What matters is creating space to remember, honour, and celebrate. Some of these venue are listed below:
Rowleys Anne St Chapel, Devonport
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Devonport
St George’s Presbyterian Church, Takapuna
Devonport Methodist Church, Devonport
St Francis de Sales and All Souls Catholic Church, Devonport
Wakatere Boating Club, Narrow Neck Beach
North Shore Memorial Park Chapel, Schnapper Rock, Albany
North Harbour Chapel, Schnapper Rock, Albany
Personalising Your Cremation Service
At Rowley Funerals, we believe that every life is unique and deserves to be remembered in a way that reflects that uniqueness. Our team will help you incorporate music, readings, video tributes, and personal touches that speak to your loved one’s story.
Whether you choose a traditional format or something more modern, we’re here to offer advice and support every step of the way.
Cremation on the North Shore – Made Simple and Meaningful
Being based in Devonport, we understand the needs of North Shore families. We work closely with crematoriums and local venues throughout the region to ensure everything runs smoothly, and that your chosen farewell is delivered with professionalism and compassion.
Our role is to remove stress at a difficult time, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what matters most — remembering your loved one with dignity and love.
Let’s Talk
If you’re considering cremation, or just want to better understand your options, we welcome you to reach out to our team. There is no pressure — just open conversation and helpful guidance.
Rowley Funerals – Compassionate, Professional Cremation Services in the North Shore of Auckland.