Natural Burials

In conjunction with Natural Burials New Zealand, we have developed a certified natural burial grove at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Natural burials are becoming an increasingly popular option for people and families who hold strong environmental beliefs and philosophies and many cemeteries around New Zealand and the world now have this option available. Natural burial is the most environmentally friendly option available, and involves burying a body in a shallow grave using natural coverings such as a shroud or cardboard casket, with a tree then planted on the plot. The body is returned to the earth quickly, and the resulting cemetery is a forest memorial.

Natural Burial Plots cannot be pre-purchased, plots are allocated on a next available basis at time of interment. This is to ensure the cemetery staff have adequate access to prepare plots and to continue the native planting restoration work.

Download the Whakatāne Natural Burials Information Guide - (PDF, 2.7 MB)

Whakatāne Natural Burial Tree List - (PDF, 831 KB)

Natural Burial Protocols
Ngā Aratohu Nehunga Mākoha

The main principle of a natural burial is that the body is returned to the earth for the benefit of the environment. Being buried in this method means acceptance of the main principle and its consequences, and these points:

1. No chemical embalming: Bodies buried naturally must not be chemically embalmed. Only natural or plant-based products, approved by New Zealand Natural Burials, may be used and must not contain any form of aldehyde.  This is to speed up the natural processes of returning the body and its nutrients to the soil, and to reduce the amount of artificial and toxic chemicals and materials we introduce to the soil.
2. Burial in the upper soil layers: Bodies will be buried as close to, or within, the active soil layer as possible. Depth will vary according to the soil conditions. Plots will be part refilled with compost to help enrich the soil.
3. Trees: A native tree will be planted at the head or base of the plot. These trees are the basic building blocks of a native habitat restoration programme. Over time, other trees will be planted over and around the plot. To improve survival, trees for plots will not be planted by the Council during the summer months.
4. Caskets: You must use a casket provided by, or approved by, New Zealand Natural Burials. These caskets will be made from sustainably grown and harvested woods, with no chemicals or artificial compounds used in treatment of the wood or manufacture of the casket or its accessories.
5. Shrouds: Shrouds must be made of natural fibre; wool, silk or calico is permitted. Shrouds must be fastened to a solid board wider than the body for lowering purposes. The board must be made of biodegradable untreated timber.
6. Plot markers: A wooden post may be placed in the ground at the head or foot of the plot. The post must be made of untreated timber. The marker may be engraved with a poker-burnt inscription on the cap and sides of the post; this can be arranged through your funeral director or with Natural Burials New Zealand. The marker is designed to be non-permanent, but the plot and details of the person buried there will be GPS-located and marked on a map held by Council.