16 Jun 2016

Council staff will look into options that enable people to scatter ashes of loved ones in specially designated areas in cemeteries and other public spaces.

The Regulation and Consents Committee has recommended the Council adopt the Parks and Reserves Bylaw 2016 with the provision that staff explore a range of alternative options for scattering ashes.

Committee Chairman David East says that it is important that the bylaw review work is completed so amendments can be implemented addressing issues around noise and parking in parks.

“The Parks and Reserves bylaw has not previously dealt with scattering of ashes and it is something we need to address. Any solution must be both practical and considerate of cultural sensitivities.”

“Using a regulatory approach and banning it outright simply isn’t practical — who would enforce it? Developing alternatives, and letting the public know about their choices, such as scattering ashes in cemeteries will allow families to register names in the cemetery database for future genealogical searches. Identifying designated areas is a sensible way to allow people to lay loved ones to rest in a manner that works for their family while acknowledging there is a range of community views.”

Staff will develop guidelines for any designated site with the appropriate Rūnanga and update the Council’s Cemeteries Handbook as proposals are finalised.