We are proposing to update our rules for managing cemeteries and we want your feedback.
Our cemetery rules
We control or manage over 50 cemeteries in Auckland. This includes managing crematoria where cremations take place.
We have rules to keep the cemeteries and crematoria safe and to prevent misuse or damage, such as:
- keeping plot adornments (decorations) tidy
- properly installing headstones.
The rules are set out in a bylaw, a code of practice made under the bylaw, and in operational guidance.
What we are proposing
After reviewing the cemetery rules, we think they are working well and should mostly stay the same.
However, some of the rules in the code of practice are unclear, outdated or repeated.
We propose to:
- remove the code of practice and add the rules for the services that cemeteries provide to the bylaw
- move smaller details from the code of practice to our operational guidance
- clarify rules for:
- burial and cremation activities that we need to approve
- adornments, maintenance, monuments and preparing a casket for burial or cremation
- make the bylaw's layout, definitions and wording clearer.
No change to cemetery services
There will be no change to the day-to-day use of our cemetery services for families, funeral directors and headstone installers.
We will not update any of the rules for:
- private cemeteries or Māori urupā (burial grounds)
- plot allocation or size
- activities that happen outside of our cemeteries and crematoria. For example, scattering ashes elsewhere.
Read our current bylaw and code of practice to learn more.
What we want your feedback on
We want to know what you think of our proposal to:
- remove the code of practice
- update the bylaw
- clarify rules for:
- approvals
- burial, cremation and plot maintenance activities.
How you can have your say
To give your feedback you can:
- fill in the online feedback form below on the page
- attend a drop-in session. Take a look at the list of events and register here.
- email your completed form to cemeterybylaw@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
- post your completed feedback form to:
- Email cemeterybylaw@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you want to give your feedback using New Zealand Sign Language.
- call us on 09 301 0101 to make an appointment to give your feedback over the phone
Auckland Council
Cemetery Bylaw
Freepost Number 190198
Private Bag 92300
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142.
When you can have your say
You can have your say from 20 January to 23 February 2025.
What we will do next
We will consider your feedback and then decide how we will update the rules by mid-2025.
