OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY

Cemeteries of the Wairoa District provide land and facilities for the burial or interment of ashes of the dead and their remembrance and provide records and an enquiry service for all Council owned cemeteries. 

Reasons for Council engagement within this activity relate to the statutory requirements and public expectation.  Council recognises the need to meet public expectations for the supply of an essential service.  The long-term focus for Council is to adequately meet the provision of burial requirements for the Wairoa Community. 

Council acknowledges that the Wairoa Cemetery provides for approximately 50% of the District interments on an annual basis and realises that private cemeteries, with no public funding are catering to the balance of the demand.  Council believes that there are positive advantages to the community well being through this involvement.

ACTIVITY GOAL AND PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES

1. To manage and provide land and facilities for the burial or interment of ashes of the dead and their remembrance suitable for the current and foreseeable needs of the community. 
2. To ensure that the cemetery is maintained to a standard that is consistent with the expectations of the community and shows respect for those interred. 
3. To provide a safe and efficient service through compliance with relevant legislation and Council policy. 
4. To provide a records and enquiry service and ensure cemetery interment records are updated as required.
5. To ensure all preventative maintenance and other programmed works are completed on time and within budget. 

THE EXISTING SITUATION

Currently, the Senior Clerk carries out the responsibilities equivalent to that of a superintendent, by maintaining the cemetery records in a database (including records for Morere and Frasertown), organising all burial arrangements, and handling queries relating to cemeteries within the Wairoa District. 

Council controls and manages all of the cemetery assets, however private contractors under the direction of the Engineering Department carry out the day-to-day operations and maintenance.  See last page for a current list of fees and charges.

Council owns public cemeteries in the following locations:

NAME OF CEMETERY	LOCATION
Wairoa	Fraser Road
Morere	Tunanui Road
Frasertown	Russell Parade
Nuhaka	SH2, Nuhaka
Ruakituri	Papuni Road

To make enquiries or request further information relating to cemeteries you can contact Roger McGovan at Wairoa District Council on (06) 838 7309.