Caring for a cemetery plot
Caring for a loved one’s resting place is a meaningful way to honour their life and stay connected to their memory.
At Akatārawa Cemetery, we work alongside families to ensure the grounds remain peaceful, respectful, and well cared for.
This page explains what happens after a funeral, how memorials are arranged, and what responsibilities sit with the Exclusive Right of Burial holder and Council in regards to plot maintenance.
After the funeral
It's important to know that memorial work does not need to be arranged immediately after the funeral or interment. Many families choose to take time before making decisions about a permanent memorial.
If you wish, a funeral director may be able to assist you with initial guidance at the time of the funeral. You can also contact a stonemason directly at a later date to discuss your options.
Immediately after the burial or ash interment
After your loved one has been laid to rest, our Cemetery team will place a temporary plastic plaque with their name on the beam.
To help keep the cemetery tidy, safe, and respectful for all visitors, any flowers, tributes, or decorations outside the designated memorial area may be removed.
Care of the plot
After the funeral, care of the plot becomes a shared responsibility:
- Council maintains the cemetery grounds, including lawns, paths, and shared areas
- The Exclusive Right of Burial holder is responsible for the memorial (such as a headstone or plaque)
Planning a memorial
Memorials such as headstones or plaques provide a lasting place for family and friends to visit and remember.
Only the Exclusive Right of Burial holder (the person named on the burial certificate) can approve and arrange memorial work on a plot.
You do not need to make these decisions straight away, and you can arrange a memorial at any time in the future when you feel ready.
How to arrange a memorial
If you decide to proceed, the process is usually:
- Contact a stonemason
They will guide you through design options, materials, and costs, and help you choose something meaningful. Find a stonemason here.
- Confirm approval
If you are not the Exclusive Right of Burial holder, written approval from the holder is required before any work can begin.
- Council approval
The stonemason will prepare and submit the application to Council on your behalf.
- Installation
Once approved, the memorial will be installed in line with Council requirements and cemetery standards.
Important things to know:
- All memorials must be installed by a qualified stonemason.
- Memorials must meet Council size and material requirements. (Your stonemason will guide you.)
- Council approval is required before any work begins.
Responsibilities of Exclusive Right of Burial holder
The Exclusive Right of Burial holder is responsible for the memorial on the plot, including arranging any repairs if damage occurs.
If a memorial becomes unsafe or damaged, the Council will contact the Exclusive Right of Burial holder to order its repair or removal. If no responsible party can be contacted, the Council will photograph the headstone and lay it flat in accordance with legislation.
Decorations and tributes
Placing flowers and personal tributes is a simple and meaningful way to honour your loved one. We understand how important these gestures are.
To help keep the cemetery safe, tidy, and respectful for all visitors, the following guidelines apply.
Flowers and personal tributes
- Flowers should be placed in the designated holder on the plot
- Temporary tributes (such as wreaths) may be placed for a short time
- Items placed outside designated areas may be removed
For safety reasons:
- Glass containers are not permitted
- Loose or fragile items that may break or create hazards may be removed
Items not permitted on plots
To maintain a consistent and respectful environment across the cemetery, some items are not allowed:
- Glass jars or fragile containers
- Crosses or structures that are not part of an approved memorial
- Painting or altering headstone or plaque bases
- Planting directly on burial plots
If you’re unsure about placing an item, please contact us before doing so.
Why these guidelines are in place
These guidelines help us to:
- keep the cemetery safe for visitors
- maintain a tidy and peaceful environment
- ensure fairness and consistency across all plots
- protect memorials and surrounding areas.
We understand every family remembers their loved one differently, and we aim to balance personal expression with care for the wider community space.
Contact Cemetery team
If you would like to discuss burial or ash interment options, please contact our Cemetery team.
Phone: (04) 527 2169
Email: askus@uhcc.govt.nz