Our Natural Burial Park is set to open
Our Natural Burial Park is set to open
A natural burial area is being
designed at the Omahu Cemetery in Thames and will be open by
October this year.
The area is the result of a
partnership with the Natural Burial Interest Group in
Thames, who approached our Council through submissions to
the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan.
“Their input has been
very valuable to guide the progression of the area, which
has also been made to happen through the support of the
Thames Community Board and its Chair Diane Connors,” says
Paula Carr our District Cemeteries Coordinator.
"The
vision is that the area set aside for natural burials
becomes a very special environment with the central idea
that everything about the area is as “natural” as
possible without anything introduced that would interfere
with, or pollute, the environment," adds Ms Carr.
All the
nutrients from the deceased will be gradually absorbed for
the benefit of the surrounding soil and plants. It is
intended that the area will be transformed into a permanent
woodland setting and act as a living memorial to those
buried there, be a home for flora and fauna, and become a
beautiful space for reflection and remembrance of loved
ones.
The Natural Burial Garden ground plot layout work
is yet to be completed, however concept plans allow for an
initial stage of approximately 110 plots. We expect the area
will be available for interments and plots for purchase from
October.
The Thames Natural Burial Group will hold a
public meeting in the Grahamstown Hall, 17 June at
11am.
There is also plans in for a natural burial site at
the new Kaimarama Cemetery, Whitianga on SH25 once it is
open (www.tcdc.govt.nz/mbcemeteryproject).
Fees
and charges for natural burials will fall under our Long
Term Plan at that time.
See www.tcdc.govt.nz/Our-Services/Cemeteries
for more
information.