Views sought on region wide bylaw

Auckland Council wants your views on a proposal for a region wide bylaw and code of practice for the management of its cemeteries and crematoria.

Submissions are accepted from Friday 4 April to Monday 5 May 2014.

The new bylaw and code will replace eight bylaws inherited from Auckland’s former councils, creating a single approach to managing operational facilities across the region and aims to:
• ensure the health and safety of visitors and workers
• prevent damage and misuse
• provide for the deceased in a controlled and respectful manner.

“Creating regional consistency will ensure no matter which one of our active facilities people end up dealing with, there will be a consistent set of tools in place for staff to advise them,” says Regulatory and Bylaws Committee chairman Calum Penrose.

“The new bylaw will retain the ability to apply local variation so that our cemeteries still reflect the communities they serve including how graves can be decorated.”

The proposals will put tools in place so that if council decides to introduce a service at a facility, such as eco burials or Wāhi Tapu Māori areas, there is already a process in place.

“Our cemeteries are more than just a final resting place for our loved ones – they also strengthen and support a sense of community, reflect the history of local pioneers and cultures that founded and influenced our city,” says Cr Penrose.

Auckland Council manages 52 cemeteries with grounds covering 290 hectares from Rodney in the north to Franklin in the south. Of these just 30 are currently operational.

These range from local cemeteries for burial and ash interment, to regional facilities providing a wide selection of services that include beautifully appointed chapels, crematoria, function lounges and on-site administration offices.

Have your say on the Auckland Council Proposed Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw 4 April – 5 May 2014.

For copies of the proposals, supporting information and to make an online submission go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/haveyoursay

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