No burials at saturated Taruheru Cemetery

Gisborne city’s main cemetery, Taruheru, is unable to take any burials as the ground is too saturated to dig into.

The situation has worsened in the last 24 hours. The ground is completely water logged, says Engineering and Works Group Manager Peter Higgs. “We have tried to dig in various parts of the cemetery but water levels are just 20cm under ground. There is no way we can dig in these conditions.”

“I understand that this will cause distress for grieving families and offer my condolences. We are working with Evans Funeral Services to ensure bereaved families understand the situation and their options.”

“Plans have been made to look after people in a dignified manner until conditions improve and burials can continue,” says David Parker of Evans Funeral Services.

“At this stage it is difficult to tell when burials will resume. It is completely weather dependant. What we need now is some sunshine.”

ENDS

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