He kura tangihia, he maimai aroha

A mourned treasure, an expression of love

This memorial kaupapa (guiding principle) honours all the people who rest in the unmarked graves at Pukekohe Cemetery.

Many were Maaori, including infants and children.

Their lives, stories and whaanau connections are deeply valued.

The proposed memorial will acknowledge them with dignity and respect and will provide a lasting place for reflection and connection for whaanau, the wider community and visitors.

We have developed a draft concept design for a memorial at the site of unmarked graves in Pukekohe Cemetery.

We have shaped the design through earlier engagement with:

• whaanau
• mana whenua
• community members
• stakeholders.

An entrance from Ward Street with:

An entrance from Ward Street with:

• covered seating
• access to water (Te Wai o Rongo)
• a place to gather before entering.

A pathway that acknowledges and protects the waahi tapu (unmarked graves) and guides visitors respectfully through the space.

Low, shallow-rooted planting to:

• protect the waahi tapu
• support birds and insects
• strengthen the natural ecosystem.

• Kohekohe and kawakawa trees
• additional planting for shelter and ecological restoration.

A sculptural wall where whānau can place tohu maumahara (names or symbols of remembrance). This is designed to encourage touch and connection.

Places to:

• sit
• reflect
• remember loved ones
• connect with the wairua (spirit) of the place.

A fence made of vertical metal or wooden posts to screen the existing power boxes.

We would like your feedback on the draft memorial design.

We value your whakaaro (ideas) on:

• how the overall design feels
• which parts feel meaningful
• whether it creates a space for reflection, remembrance and connection
• whether it feels inclusive of different people and cultures
• whether anything important is missing.

We want to understand:

• what feels right
• what may need to change
• what could be improved.

You can have your say from Wednesday 1 April to Wednesday 29 April 2026

There are three ways to have your say. You can:

• complete the online feedback form
• scan and email your completed form to pukekohecemeterymemorial@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
• post your completed form to:

Franklin Local Board
Pukekohe Cemetery Memorial Concept Design
Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300
Victoria Street
West Auckland
1142.

• talk to us in person at one of our events:

Whaanau hui

Sunday 12 April, 1- 3pm

Ngaa Hau E Whaa Marae o Pukekohe, 88 Beatty Road, Pukekohe.

Community meeting

Wednesday 15 April, 6-8pm

Upstairs at Franklin: The Centre, 12 Massey Ave, Pukekohe

Online hui

Wednesday 22 April, 8-9pm.

Register for this hui here

Your feedback will be carefully considered by the Pukekohe Cemetery Committee and the project's design team.

We will present the updated draft design to Pukekohe Cemetery Committee for approval.

The Pukekohe Cemetery is located on the corner of Wellington Street and Ward Street, in Pukekohe.

The area of unmarked graves is located in the south east corner, as shown in the area in red.

People have known for a long time that there are approximately 200 unmarked graves in the Pukekohe Cemetery. Most of the people buried there were Maaori. This has been very sad and hurtful for their families and for many people in the community. Many respected locals have asked for something to be done to recognise those who were laid to rest there.

The Franklin Local Board, which is part of Auckland Council, agreed it was time to take action. They created the Pukekohe Cemetery Committee, which is made up of two members from the Franklin Local Board and up to seven members from the local Māori community in Pukekohe. The purpose of this committee is to oversee development of a memorial - a physical way to honour, remember and protect the unmarked graves.

If you want to understand the background better, you can:

• look at the project website: pukekohecemeterymemorial.org.nz
• watch a TVNZ documentary made by Reikura Kahi. It explains the issue and features two local kuia, Pare Rauwhero and Phyllis Bhana, who are both part of the committee.

The project has a total budget of $700,000 from the regional Māori Outcomes fund.

We anticipate that construction would start late 2026 with a tentative completion date of June 2027.