Council’s plans could put burials further out of reach

Hamilton City Council must assure ratepayers that its cemetery building plans will not put the price of burial plots out of the reach of even more families, says the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ).

Chief Executive Katrina Shanks says that could be the result if the council’s draft management plan for cemeteries is adopted in its entirety. FDANZ has made a written submission on the plan.

“The main issue concerns the council’s intention to build much larger facilities at Hamilton Park Cemetery, with a new reception and administration buildings, an outdoor committal shelter, and by extending service hours on site.

“All of that will cost money, and the plan discusses the need to develop a financially sustainable business model to fund expansion, development and long-term maintenance commitments.

“Though it does acknowledge the concern of stakeholders of the high charges associated with the services and the affordability of burials, in the same sentence it discusses the need to have a robust financial model. And it says it intends to recover all operating costs through fees.

“But there are no key actions in this plan associated with ensuring that burial plots remain affordable to all.

“The price of plots at the moment makes it hard enough for some families, without adding further to the burden.

“There are good things about this plan, but I’m concerned it will simply put up the price of plots and make it even more difficult for struggling families.

“That will put them in an invidious position.

“Many families have strongly-held cultural beliefs that members cannot be cremated, which is a cheaper option. That means many would have no option but to pay higher burial fees. Others will simply be forced into cremation when that is not their preference.

“These people believe removing that choice becomes a human rights issue.

“The law also takes choice away from families of those wishing to be buried – because most of the time the only option they have is a council cemetery.”

Mrs Shanks says the council’s model should be reviewed so all grieving families can afford burial plots.

“If the feedback the council has received from ratepayers is that to be buried is unaffordable then the financial model of 100% cost recovery is not the correct one and an alternative should be sought.

“The council surely cannot claim to be achieving its stated aim of meeting “different cultural and spiritual requirements” if those needs are priced beyond people’s control and ability to pay.

“I believe the council should ask itself if the increase of 1500 deceased per year over 30 years justifies the proposed new buildings. Facilities such as these are not common at most cemeteries around New Zealand. Yes, they are a nice-to-have but surely not if it means burials become even more unaffordable.”

Mrs Shanks says the council should conduct a review of the capacity of Hamilton’s current providers to deliver services to cater for the increase in deaths.

“It should also assess the financial models and how they impact on the cost of burial and cremations to ensure affordability for all communities.

“The primary purpose of the Burial and Cremation Act is to ensure that every community has access to places for burial and cremation. Cemeteries are an essential public service and local authorities have legal responsibility for providing them. That should be their core business.

“The question is: does that core business involve providing reception and lounge areas? Or should the council focus on allowing all grieving families to be able to afford burial plots and cremations?”

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