Council launches project to honour unmarked graves

Published on 11 February 2026

Whanganui District Council is launching a project to identify and honour unmarked graves in the region for people who died in state care, in response to recommendations from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry’s final report, Whanaketia – Through pain and trauma, from darkness to light, released in 2024.

The council’s chief infrastructure officer, Lance Kennedy, says the council acknowledges the deep and lasting harm and trauma endured by survivors of abuse and neglect in care and the profound grief experienced by their whānau, families and communities.

“This project aims to ensure that those who died in care, and whose resting places may not have been formally recorded, are recognised, remembered and honoured with dignity and respect.

“Through this project, the council will work closely with local communities, tangata whenua and organisations with knowledge of survivors and former patients. This collaborative approach will help ensure that identification of unmarked graves and commemorations are conducted in a culturally appropriate, sensitive and inclusive way.”

This initiative is supported by central government’s Survivor Support and Recognition Fund, administered by Community Operations Hāpai Hapori in partnership with the Crown Response Office. The fund supports councils and community groups to memorialise and honour those who died in care and are buried in unmarked graves, in ways that reflect the needs and values of local communities.

“The council invites anyone with knowledge of unmarked graves, or anyone who wishes to be involved in the planned unveiling and blessing ceremonies, to please contact us by emailing yourcouncil@whanganui.govt.nz

“This project represents an important step towards acknowledging past wrongs, supporting healing for affected communities, and ensuring that those who died in care are remembered appropriately,” Kennedy says.