Cremation fees to rise

New prices at the Hastings Crematorium could make cremation an unrealistic option for some families. Photo / File

The death of a loved one is a stressful enough event for a family without adding the uncertainty of what to do with the body.

A proposed fee increase at the council-owned Hawke's Bay Crematorium will make cremation unaffordable for more families, said the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand.

Chief executive Katrina Shanks said the 22 per cent increase, which has been prompted by an upgrade of the earthquake-prone building, will make it even harder for struggling families.

"The council has an obligation under the law to ensure that cremation and burials are accessible to all, and to do that they have to be affordable to all," Ms Shanks said.

An increase of such a size was likely to push cremation beyond many grieving families' ability to pay.

"Many already choose cremation because it's cheaper than burial, but this will put them in an invidious position because they have nowhere else to go."

A new private crematorium due to be built in Hastings soon will probably take business away from the council facility, and that is estimated to push fees even higher - to $851, an increase from the present $600.

"At this rate, cremation at Hawke's Bay Crematorium will be one of the most expensive in the country."

Ms Shanks said the council must be able to demonstrate all residents could afford cremation in its facility. "They must take account of the demographics of the region and tailor their financial modelling accordingly," she said.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule has said the changes will look at minimising costs for families losing their loved ones.

"We want to have a public service available for competition and fee structures that are affordable."