Andrew Bell: Christchurch Water Crematorium co-director on the success of the business - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

There's strong demand for water cremations, just months after the service first became available in New Zealand.

Since opening in June, the Christchurch Crematorium has carried out 55 water cremations - using an alkaline solution to mimic the natural burial process.

Around 80 percent of their clients choose cremation - most opting for the water-based option.

Christchurch Water Crematorium co-director Andrew Bell says the water-based service sits better with customers, largely due to the environmental benefits.

"We weren't expecting the response, to be honest, that we had from it. 75 percent straight away was a bit more than we were expecting." 

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