Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw changes recommended to councillors
Published on 18 May 2023
Changes have been recommended to Whanganui District Council regarding the bylaw that manages the way cemeteries and memorials are managed across the district. Changes will be finalised at the next full council meeting.
On Tuesday, 16 May, the strategy and policy committee heard from council officers on the Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw 2016 review.
The following key changes were recommended:
- Design work approval for a water feature at Aramoho cemetery, for the purpose of scattering ashes into moving water
- An amendment to the natural burial guidelines
- Grave cleaning to be undertaken by third party group only when families cannot be contacted
Councillor Kate Joblin says, “Cemeteries are places to mourn and reflect, places that everyone should feel welcome to celebrate their loved ones in their own unique way.
“The scattering of ashes into moving water is important to some cultures, who during the review expressed the need for an appropriate place to do this.
“Currently scattering ashes on the rose garden is offered as an option for any cremation, and the water feature would be another option for everyone to use.”
The committee approved the initial design and preparatory work of the water feature, with the full costs and approval of the project to follow at a later date.
During the consultation, the community were able to express their opinion on whether they agreed with responsible consumption of alcohol being allowed, while still prohibiting disruptive behaviour and littering, and the majority of feedback supported this idea.
It has been recommended that natural burial guidelines state that 750mm of depth above the casket or shroud is an appropriate depth for natural burials. This issue was raised through the consultation and the hearing, and as a result of community feedback the recommendation was changed to align with international natural burial best practice.
Councillor Kate Joblin says that the review was multipronged so that a full range of views and opinions could be considered.
“At an early stage we looked not just at what was working and what could be improved from the existing rules, but also at what principles should guide the way.
“Due to the sensitive nature and significant impact cemeteries have on much of the community, the council very much took a ground-up approach to this review. The input from the community through the development of the review was hugely valuable and appreciated.”
As part of the proposed changes to the bylaw, related documents will also be updated, including the Cemetery Monument Policy, Plaques and Memorials Policy, Natural Burial Policy and Cultural Guidelines for the Burial of Kōiwi in Aramoho Cemetery.
Another bylaw consultation will begin soon. A review of the Public Places, Parks and Reserves Bylaw 2016 will start at the end of May, and the community will be able to give feedback on proposed changes to the bylaw. The bylaw manages activities that can be carried out in public places, parks and reserves, and controls damage to these places.