Water cremation, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fire cremation, could be introduced in New Zealand by the end of the year. Th
Water cremation, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fire cremation, could be introduced in New Zealand by the end of the year. The process involves placing a body in a tube filled with water and an alkaline solution, where it is heated and pressurized to dissolve flesh and muscle. After a few hours, only the bones remain, which are crushed and returned to the family, while the treated water is released back into the water cycle. The founder of Water Cremation Aotearoa is working with the Ministry of Health to include this method in the country’s burial and cremation legislation overhaul. The process has generated interest, including from members of iwi who see it as reminiscent of ancient cultural practices.
