Natural burial option on cards for Waikato District
Natural burials are a possible option for Waikato District’s cemeteries, as the local council reviews its cemeteries bylaw.
Two other key changes proposed are allowing dogs on-leash at cemeteries and permitting families to backfill the graves of their loved ones themselves.
The council’s community venues and events team leader, Samantha Baker, says the changes would make local cemeteries more “reflective of the practices and beliefs” of the community.
The changes follow a round of public consultation with mana whenua, Taupiri Urupā trustees, community boards and funeral directors last year. The feedback received helped draft the bylaw now open for feedback.
Natural burials received “overwhelming support” during the engagement last year, the council says.
For natural burials, also known as eco-burials, a body is prepared and buried in ways that do not slow the decomposition process, and often use eco-friendly options like flax, cardboard, untreated timber or cloth in place of the traditional casket.
Natural burials would not be permitted on all 21 Waikato District cemeteries. However, the council would identify key cemeteries which have spaces that can be set aside for natural burials.
Only a few cemeteries in the Waikato region currently allow for natural burials. The Waikato cemeteries that have spaces set aside for this already include Leamington Cemetery (Waipā), Hamilton Park Cemetery at Newstead, Omahu Cemetery (Thames-coromandel District) and Taupō Cemetery on Rickit St.
Waikato District Council is also proposing to allow families and loved ones to backfill graves if they wish, in the presence of council staff. Currently, only council staff and contractors can backfill.
In addition to the 21 cemeteries managed by Waikato District Council, there are a number of private cemeteries or urupā in the district. The bylaw will not apply to those spaces.
Submissions on the cemeteries bylaw can be made until April 16.