Whakatāne District Council is seeking feedback on a proposal to amend its Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw Review to allow natural burials as a new alternative method of burial, and for burials to be able to take place on Sundays.

In July 2019 the concept of natural burials was presented in detail to the Council prompting an in-depth examination of the concept. The guiding concept for natural burials is that they should be as natural as possible with minimal impact to the environment. Council has carried out investigations into the practice of natural burials, and consulted with Natural Burials New Zealand for a recommended approach.

To further progress the option of natural burials, the Bylaw will need to be amended to include this as an option.

Through the Bylaw review, Council proposes to revoke the Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw 2018 and replace it with an updated Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw 2020. The key changes are:

• The addition of a section relating to natural burial areas, including associated definitions.
• The extension of the days on which a burial may take place to include Sundays.
• Clarification of the requirement for Council approval for memorials prior to installation.

The consultation period will run until 5pm Friday, 24 July. Any person or organisation is welcome to make a submission on the proposed bylaw changes, either online or in writing (by email or post).

The Council will then consider any feedback and amendments required before the final Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw 2020 is adopted.

Find out more about the Draft Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw 2020 »