The sun was shining on the beautiful afternoon of Sunday 6th November 2022 as Kapiti Crematorium, at 131 Valley Road, Paraparaumu, opened its doors again to the public.
There was a gentle flow of people who gathered in the chapel, with its beautiful view down the valley looking out on Kapiti Island and the sea. After a brief talk on the chapel set-up, people were then taken ‘behind the curtain’ through a holding room and into the room that houses the cremator itself and the ashes processing station.
3 groups (with a few couples in between) were given plenty of time to ask questions and the feedback was that they were delighted to have had the opportunity to come. Andrew, CEO of Kapiti Coast Funeral Home, walked the groups through the process and explained everything from the modern air pollution control system, to the computer management and monitoring of the cremation procedure and the processing of ashes. He explained what can be cremated with the deceased and how dignity is maintained through this process including assurance of identification and the assurance of the ashes returned being the correct ones.
As always questions included things like if cremation is 1 at a time, which it is, through to how and where can you scatter ashes, and the value, especially from a mental health perspective, of how having some form of farewell is so beneficial to those grieving.
Kapiti Crematorium is owned and operated by Kapiti Coast Funeral Home, and so at the end of the tour, an invitation was extended to return and have refreshments at the Funeral Home lounge just over the railway line 9 – 11 Hinemoa Street, Paraparaumu. Kapiti Monumental Services, just next door was also operating for people to view, which some did, as was the Loss & Grief Centre over at 1 Kapiti Road displaying all its aftercare resources.
A question was asked if groups and organisations could have a private talk and tour, and the answer is yes, it’s as easy as a phone call to Kapiti Coast Funeral Home to set a time, 298 5168.
