The first crematorium in the District was officially opened in October 2009. The facility's modern design is centred around the theme of a waka and incorporates a 50 seat chapel.
Location
The crematorium is located in a peaceful, well-landscaped area of the Hillcrest Cemetery on Ōhope Road, between Whakatāne and Ōhope.
Bookings
Arrangements for cremations and use of the chapel may be made through a funeral director, who will make a booking with the Council. Bookings must be received at least eight working hours prior to a cremation taking place.
Unassisted Cremations
You may optionally choose to arrange a cremation or burial without a funeral director. Guidelines and necessary forms for this process are below.
- Whakatane Cemetery and Crematorium - Guidelines for families arranging Cremation or Burial without Funeral Director - (PDF, 343 KB)
- Form A - Application for cremation - (PDF, 646 KB)
- Form AB - Certificate in Relation to Pacemakers and Other Biomechanical Aids - (PDF, 485 KB)
- Form B - Certificate of Medical Practitioner - (PDF, 671 KB)
- Form F Permission to cremate - (PDF, 649 KB)
- Form H - Register of cremation - (PDF, 649 KB)
Opening Hours
- Monday - Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm
- Saturdays and public holidays - from 9 am to 4:30 pm (surcharge applies)
- Not available on Sundays
Fees and Charges
Visit the Cemeteries and Crematorium Fees page for our fees and charges information.
Cemeteries and Crematorium Fees »
Please note, the charges do not include Funeral Director's costs. Fees are GST inclusive.
Hillcrest Cemetery hours
| Summer | 7 am - 7 pm | 1 Oct - 31 March |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 7 am - 6 pm | 1 April - 30 Sept |
Hillcrest Cemetery and Crematorium Overview Map - (PDF, 313 KB)
For further information on the crematorium, please contact Customer Services on 07 306 0500.