Embalming enables everyone connected with the funeral – family, friends and professionals – to take part without unpleasantness or embarrassment and risk to health, whatever the cause of death. Without this careful and scientific treatment nature would take its course very soon after death. Embalming has three main purposes:

Sanitation – the body becomes safe for handling and viewing when micro-organisms are made harmless.

Preservation – embalming allows enough time for relatives and friends to grieve and say goodbye. It enables the person who has died to be safely taken home or to a marae and ensures there will be no problems of odour or deterioration.

Presentation – Embalming restores the person's natural appearance, giving mourners a much better memory picture. This brings a sense of relief and comfort and helps peace of mind.

For information please visit the New Zealand Embalmers Association website.