Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DIY cremation or direct cremation?

Direct cremation is a simple, low-cost cremation that takes place without a formal funeral service beforehand. Many New Zealand families choose direct cremation and then hold their own personal memorial or celebration of life, using their own urn, keepsakes, and readings. Our products are designed to support exactly this kind of family-led approach.

Are your urns legal for home storage in New Zealand?

Yes. In New Zealand there is no law preventing a family from keeping cremated ashes at home. Ashes are not subject to the same regulations as burial. This makes an urn a lovely, permanent way to keep a loved one close, whether displayed in the home or kept privately until you decide on a final resting place.

Do I need permission to keep ashes at home?

No permission is required. The decision is entirely up to the family. Some people keep ashes at home indefinitely, while others later choose to scatter them, bury them, or place them in a cemetery niche.

How much cremated ash does an urn hold?

As a general guide, adult cremated remains typically weigh between 2 and 4 kilograms (roughly 170-220 cubic inches of volume), so most full-size adult urns are built to hold around 200 cubic inches. Keepsake urns hold a small symbolic portion of ashes - usually just a few tablespoons - so families can share remains between relatives or keep a small amount close while the rest is scattered or buried. If you are unsure which size is right, our product pages list capacity, or you're welcome to get in touch before ordering.

What's the difference between a keepsake urn and a full-size urn?

A full-size urn is designed to hold the entire cremated remains of one adult. A keepsake urn is a smaller vessel that holds only a portion of ashes - often chosen when family members want to share remains, or when most ashes have already been scattered or buried and a small amount is kept as a memento. Keepsake urns are also popular as memorial jewellery-style items that can sit on a shelf or mantle.

Can I scatter ashes in New Zealand? Are there rules?

Scattering ashes is generally permitted in New Zealand, including on private land (with the landowner's permission) and in many public and natural areas. However, rules can vary by region, council, and location - for example, some regional parks, waterways, or Department of Conservation land may have specific guidelines. This isn't legal advice, so we'd always recommend checking with your local council, DOC, or cemetery before scattering ashes to be sure you're following local requirements.

How do I choose jewelry for pet ashes versus human ashes?

The main difference usually comes down to design and sizing rather than the mechanism itself. Pet memorial jewelry is often smaller and more discreet, or shaped with paw prints or pet-specific motifs, while human memorial jewelry ranges from subtle pendants to more traditional keepsake designs. Both styles typically use a small sealed chamber to hold a pinch of ashes, fur, or cremated remains, so it really comes down to choosing a design that feels right for your loved one - two-legged or four-legged.

Do you ship NZ-wide?

Yes, we ship to addresses across New Zealand, from major cities to rural delivery areas. Most orders are dispatched promptly and arrive discreetly packaged. If you need something urgently, feel free to contact us before ordering and we'll do our best to help.

What materials are your urns made from?

Our range includes urns crafted from materials such as solid wood, resin, ceramic, and metal, depending on the style. Each material offers a different look and feel - wood and ceramic tend to suit a warm, natural aesthetic, while metal and resin designs often offer intricate detailing or a more contemporary finish. Product pages list the specific material, dimensions, and capacity for each item.

Can I return or exchange an urn if it's not right?

We understand that choosing a final urn is a deeply personal decision, and sometimes it doesn't feel right once it arrives. Please get in touch with our team as soon as possible if you'd like to discuss a return or exchange, and we'll talk you through the options available for your order.

Still have questions?

We know this is a difficult and personal time, and we're happy to help in any way we can. Please reach out to our team with any questions about sizing, materials, shipping, or choosing the right piece for your family.