PCC - # v1. Porirua Cemeteries Management Plan. September Asset Management & Operations

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1 PCC - # v1 Porirua Cemeteries Management Plan September 2012 Asset Management & Operations

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. DEFINITIONS INTRODUCTION Purpose Objectives Scope Regulatory Framework VISION GENERAL POLICIES Cemetery Records Burial and Cremation Services Burial and Ash Plots...10 Burial in Existing Plots Out of District Burials Monuments Memorabilia Individuality, Ethnicity, Cultural Identity and Religious Denominations...13 Designation of Religious, Cultural, and Ethnic Areas of a Cemetery...13 Urupa...14 Burial Practices Eco Burials Indigent Persons Comments and Compliments Public use Signage Cemetery Provision Cemetery Maintenance and Operation PORIRUA CEMETERIES Pauatahanui Burial Ground Porirua Cemetery Whenua Tapu Cemetery and Crematorium BIBLIOGRAPHY...24 APPENDIX 1: Permitted Monument Specifications for the different areas in Whenua Tapu...25 APPENDIX 2: Layout of the Cemeteries...26 Version History Version Date Description Owner Revision Date 1 April 2012 Draft Approved by Council Karyn Stillwell 2 September 2012 After considering submissions Karyn Stillwell ISBN (Print) ISBN (Web) PCC-# v1 Page 2 of 28

3 1. DEFINITIONS Authorised Person/Licensee/ Assignee: Beam: Burial Space/Plot: Burial Consent: Cemetery: Cremate: Disinter or exhume: District: Exclusive Right of Burial: General Manager Grave site: Headstone/ Monument Permit: Indigent: Inter/Bury: Lawn Cemetery: Memorial/ Memorabilia: Monument/ Headstone: Open Cemetery: Out of District: Service Cemetery: Service Person: A person to whom the burial consent has been issued. Concrete span upon which monuments and tributes are placed. A parcel of land in which human remains may be interred. The size of the parcel varies according to the burial purpose, e.g. casket, oversized or ashes. Authorisation to allow burial, received from Porirua City Council, following application on the prescribed form and receipt of the correct fees and charges. Any land that is purchased or vested in Council, or under control of the Council and held, taken, acquired, set apart, dedicated or reserved, under the provisions of any Act exclusively for the burial of the dead. This includes a closed cemetery within the meaning of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 (or any other Act) and excludes identified Urupa. The process of rendering human remains to ash. The act of retrieving human remains from a burial space. Means the district governed by the Porirua City Council When a grave site is purchased, the authorised person or licensee holds the exclusive right to use a burial space for burial of a deceased person. Ownership of the grave site land/property remains with the Council. Means the general manager appointed to control and mange any cemetery under the jurisdiction of the Council. See Burial Space. A permit to allow the erection of a headstone, received from the Council, following application on prescribed form and receipt of the correct fees and charges. A deceased person certified by a Justice of the Peace as being destitute and impoverished and having left insufficient means to pay for funeral related services and that the friends and relatives of the deceased person are also unable to pay these costs. The act of placing the human remains (e.g. deceased person, ashes and urn) into a grave site. A cemetery which presents a park like appearance and is laid out in grass with concrete headstone beams. Items left at a gravesite as a tribute to the deceased (e.g. photos, floral arrangements, books or other such personal items). Any structure - plaque, headstone, masonry, metal work, casting or item placed over, in or around a grave site. A cemetery in which burials currently take place and burial spaces are available for purchase. Refers to a person who has resided outside of Porirua City for over twelve months, immediately prior to the date of death. Means any cemetery, or part of a cemetery, that has been set aside permanently by a Council for the burial of bodies of persons (and their spouses/partners) that have been on operational service in Her Majesty's Forces. A person who has been on operational service in Her Majesty's Forces, pursuant PCC-# v1 Page 3 of 28

4 to Section 15 (a) (i) of the Burial and Cremations Act Sexton: Unveiling Ceremony: Urupa: The operational on-site manager of the cemeteries and crematorium. A ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of a memorial to a person. Maori burial ground or Cemetery.. PCC-# v1 Page 4 of 28

5 2. INTRODUCTION The services that the Council provides at Porirua Cemeteries are summarised as: Burial Cremations Ash interments Chapel facilities Genealogy enquiries Provision of a memorial park Conservation of significant cultural and heritage sites. 2.1 Purpose The purpose of this Cemetery Management Plan is to articulate strategies, guidelines and actions that enable appropriate management of the Council owned cemeteries and crematorium. This will discourage activities inconsistent with the nature, cultural, and historical significance of these assets. The Cemetery Management Plan stands alongside Porirua City Council's Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw which is Part 4 of the Porirua City Council General Bylaw Cemeteries are the final resting place for beloved family and friends. A cemetery is part of the cultural and social heritage of the community. There are many reasons to visit a cemetery; people come to visit a loved one and to lay tributes, to tend to gravesites, to experience the peaceful and contemplative surroundings, and to enjoy the historical elements of the area. 2.2 Objectives Consideration by Council is given to: meeting the needs of the community with regards to respectful and sensitive burial and cremation of the deceased; maintaining and developing the landscape including natural and manmade elements; the overall presentation of gravesites and burial areas; public safety and public enjoyment of the spaces and to the accurate collection and maintenance of burial and cremation records. 2.3 Scope Cemeteries are regarded by the Council as a leisure asset and are contained within the Leisure Assets & Services portfolio. Porirua City Council is the custodian of the three cemeteries in the region. These are: Whenua Tapu Cemetery and Crematorium (1975 present) on Airlie Road off State Highway One Porirua Cemetery ( ) at Kenepuru Drive, (Closed) Pauatahanui Public Burial Ground ( ) in Pauatahanui. (Closed) There are several other historic cemeteries and urupa in Porirua City, which fall outside of the Council domain. These cemeteries are not subject to this Porirua Cemeteries Management Plan. Urupa Sites Onepu Rd Pa Rd Wairaka x2 Hongoeka 7 Block Taupo Urupa Puaha St Mataiwhetu St Ngati Toa St Hongoeka Marae Haukopua Urupa Pauatahanui Cemeteries Battle Hill St Albans Anglican Church St Josephs Catholic Church PCC-# v1 Page 5 of 28

6 2.4 Regulatory Framework Access to, and use of, the cemeteries is generally controlled by the Asset Management and Operations group. The following legislation regulates controls and guides the development and management of Pauatahanui Burial Ground, Porirua and Whenua Tapu Cemeteries: Burial and Cremation Act (1964) Under the Burial and Cremation Act 1964, local authorities are required to provide and maintain cemeteries. Section 4 (1) states: Local authorities to provide cemeteries (1) "It shall be the duty of every local authority, where sufficient provision is not otherwise made for the burial of the bodies of persons dying while within its district, to establish and maintain a suitable cemetery." The Act addresses the establishment, maintenance and regulation of cemeteries, finance, trustees, burial grounds, cremation, closing of cemeteries, general provisions, offences and regulations, savings and repeals. The Act does not apply to Maori burial grounds. Cemetery and Cremation Bylaw The Bylaw provides the regulatory context for enforcing appropriate behaviour of the public in cemeteries. Bylaws generally try to make activities and places safer for residents, workers and visitors. Porirua City Council (Pautahanui Burial Ground) (2007) This Act vested the Pauatahanui Burial Ground in the Porirua City Council and addresses the status, control and management of the Burial Ground as well as its maintenance, inspection and records. It references the Burial and Cremation Act, making the two acts complementary. Historic Places Act 1993 Whilst Porirua Cemetery is not registered on the Historic Places Register, both the Pauatahanui Burial Ground and Porirua Cemetery can be considered archaeological sites as defined by section 2 of the Historic Places Act Archaeological sites are considered to be Any place in New Zealand that (a) either (i) Was associated with human activity that occurred before 1900; or (ii) Is the site of the wreck of any vessel where that wreck occurred before 1900; and (b) is or may be able through investigation by archaeological methods to provide evidence relating to the history of New Zealand. Advice and consultation with the Historic Places Trust should be sought before doing work that may affect the site (except that associated with the normal use of the closed cemetery and regular maintenance). Section 12(4) of the Porirua City Council (Pauatahanui Burial Ground) Act 2007 requires Council to consult with HPT before any works within this cemetery. The Resource Management Act 1991 The Resource Management Act 1991 requires local authorities to sustainably manage the natural and physical resources within their jurisdiction. Although the Resource Management Act does not apply directly to cemeteries, there are some sections which are relevant to the management of cemeteries, they are: Resource Management Act: Section Section 86 Sections 166 to 186 Section Description Power to acquire land part iv Resource Consents Designations. All cemeteries in operation at the time the Act was PCC-# v1 Page 6 of 28

7 enacted, have existing use rights under Section 10 of the Act The Porirua City Council holds a resource consent to operate the Crematorium as required under the Regional Air Quality Management Plan, administered by the Greater Wellington Regional Council. The District Plan Under the District Plan, Whenua Tapu Cemetery is zoned rural and is designated for cemetery purposes. Porirua Cemetery is zoned suburban and Pauatahanui Burial Ground is within the open space zone. Land Status The Pauatahanui Burial Ground is the only cemetery that is classified as a local purpose reserve (historic cemetery) under the Reserves Act This local purpose reserve will be incorporated within a Porirua reserve management plan. There is no intention to classify the other cemeteries as local purpose reserve, at this time. Whenua Tapu Cemetery was acquired under the Public Works Act and it was designated for cemetery purposes. Porirua Cemetery is controlled by Porirua City Council under section 5 of the Burial and Cremation Act PCC-# v1 Page 7 of 28

8 3. VISION The creation and management of cemeteries in Porirua involves long-term vision, with regard to changes of use over time. The lifespan and function of a cemetery adjusts from a place of mourning to, eventually, a place of remembrance and reflection. Finally, the cemetery becomes a repository of community heritage. A cemetery, in time, forms part of the recreation landscape of a city they are, in essence, a memorial park. The style of cemeteries is representative of their era, and as such is a reflection of the trends and fashions of the time. Older cemeteries with high obelisk monuments, statuesque grave stones, vaults and mausoleums have given way to lawn cemeteries with regular monuments and a more park-like outlook. Great care has gone into creating a heartening and welcoming space at Whenua Tapu cemetery. Cemetery personnel have worked to create an environment where visitors feel a sense of belonging and can enjoy the natural elements of the surrounding area. Landscaping is complete in stage one, and further development is planned. It is estimated that the cemetery will reach its maximum capacity around the year Currently, Whenua Tapu is frequented mostly by friends and family of the deceased. In the future, as the city expands northward and the cemetery reaches capacity, it will likely gain greater importance as a place for passive recreation. The development of the cemetery extension, with further landscaping will occur with this in mind. It should be noted that, the Whenua Tapu Cemetery is managed to accommodate and respect a variety of cultural practices. Our Vision Our burial grounds are restful, respectful, safe and welcoming. We will provide exemplary cemetery and cremation services for the people of Porirua. Our Mission Is to provide excellent customer service to everyone who visits the cemeteries. We will create and care for these memorial gardens for current and future communities. We are: Responsible: for creating, developing and maintaining public amenities and services for burial and cremation in Porirua. This is undertaken with the knowledge that public consultation is integral to the success of our cemeteries and associated services Custodians: of an amenity that has special significance to those who have a relationship with Porirua, we recognise that this is an enduring relationship which may run to many generations. Forward focused: and will work to stay abreast of developments whilst maintaining best practice in burial and cremation services, park maintenance, cemetery restoration and record keeping. Compassionate: and effective in the delivery of cemetery services and recognise that these services tend to be used at very difficult times in people's lives. and we. Serve: the families and friends of the deceased; residents and ratepayers of Porirua; and the providers of professional burial and cremation services. Recognise: and respect the burial practices of the many cultural, ethnicities and faiths of the peoples of Porirua. Adhere: to legislation and local authority bylaws pertaining to burials and cremations in New Zealand. PCC-# v1 Page 8 of 28

9 4. GENERAL POLICIES 4.1 Cemetery Records Under section 39 and 50 of the Burial and Cremation Act, the local authority must register all burials and cremations that occur within the cemetery. The Council is responsible for accurately recording and maintaining burial and cremation information in its cemeteries database. The public have easy access to this information, via the Council website. Part of respecting those who have been interred or cremated at the cemeteries, is ensuring the integrity of cemetery records and information. It is important that the recording, transferring, storing and releasing of information is done in a manner that guarantees (as far as possible) that it is free from errors. Strict procedures will be maintained to ensure the integrity of data capture associated with interments and cremations. From time to time, the Council may need to contact families regarding cemetery developments or changes concerning the burial plot of their loved one. This is why next of kin records are important in the operation of a cemetery. P1. Complete and accurate records of the cemeteries will be kept. P2. Adequate 'Next of Kin' or 'Authorised Person' details are required in the cemetery records. A register of burials will be kept, in accordance with the Burial and Cremation Act 1964, Section 50 This data will be held securely to ensure integrity, accuracy and historical values are maintained Continued further development of the web-based system to allow the public access to records Continued further development of the layout maps to help visitors find their way around the cemeteries. A back-up of this information will be held in a secure location Authorised persons may request alterations (updates) of the data The burial consent will be amended to reflect the Next of Kin information. 4.2 Burial and Cremation Services To manage burials and cremations these services are only open during certain times of day. P 3 Burials and cremations will be managed efficiently. No Cremation or Burial shall take place prior to the prescribed fees being paid or an agreement for payment in place. Any disinterment must comply with any requirement of the Ministry of Health PCC-# v1 Page 9 of 28

10 No cremations and burials will occur on statutory holidays Burials and cremations can occur between the following hours i) 9am and 4.30pm on a Monday ii) 8.30am and 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday iii) 8.30 and 1pm on Saturday (subject to additional charges) No more than two burials per plot except with the prior approval of the General Manager. The depth of cover for any coffin shall be not less than one metre. At least 24 hours notice is required for a burial or cremation. 4.3 Burial and Ash Plots Burial plots are offered for purchase on a sequential basis allowing for an orderly filling of cemetery sections. The practice of pre-purchasing burial plots is no longer available in Porirua cemeteries, although burials are carried out for those with pre-purchased plots and for second interments in Porirua Cemetery and Pauatahanui Burial Ground. Ash plots will be available at Whenua Tapu for pre-purchase if required. P3. No pre-purchase burial plots will be available in Porirua. The exclusive right to use (plots and monuments) is managed under the provisions of Section 9 (d) of the Burial and Cremation Act Ash plots will be available for pre-purchase at Whenua Tapu Burial in Existing Plots P4 P5 P6 Existing pre-purchases of plots hold a 'Deed for Exclusive Right of Interment', which gives the deed holder the right to determine which parties may be interred in the plot and to place a memorial on the plot. In the case where a deed-holder is deceased, an authority to use the plot must be provided by the immediate next-of-kin or person acting on behalf of the deceased or estate. If at any time the Sexton is not satisfied that the person to be interred in the plot is a deedholder or other person with a Right of Interment, he or she may refuse interment to proceed. Plots not used within 60 years, after the purchase date, will be transferred back to the local authority (or earlier if specified in the burial consent). PCC-# v1 Page 10 of 28

11 4.4 Out of District Burials Cemeteries are an amenity for residents and ratepayers. Because of this, burial fees are subsidised for Porirua residents. Out of district burials do not receive this subsidy and are required to pay the full fee. This is because out of district individuals have not paid rates within the district which, in part, contribute to the annual running costs of the cemeteries. Out of district burials are an important community service, as often families choose to be buried together in the same cemetery. A burial is considered to be 'out of district' if the deceased person has lived out of Porirua City for three months or more. The three month out of district period has proved to be too short a time frame for the cemetery Sexton to enforce. This is because it has proved difficult to establish a place of residence when dealing with a grieving family. 12 months would be an appropriate time frame for out of district burials. This period is long enough to establish the location of permanent residency. P7. Verification that the deceased is a resident of Porirua, or has lived outside of the Porirua district for less than a year, is required prior to commencement of burial. P8. Non resident burials will be subject to an out of District Burial Fee, to be invoiced prior to commencement of burial. Formulate a schedule of various forms of verification Establish an 'out-of-district' verification process. 4.5 Monuments Monuments mark the resting place of the deceased. They are an important means by which family and friends commemorate the life of a loved one. These lasting memorials must stand the test of time in terms of enduring the elements, ease of care, aesthetic qualities and appropriateness. In recent decades, there has been a move towards uniformity of monument design. This reflects the desire to reduce long-term maintenance costs as well as the idea that social differences, particularly financial, should not be reinforced in an environment such as a cemetery. The Council may, from time to time, receive requests for other forms of memorials such as seats or trees. If there is a need for the suggested facilities within the cemeteries, then the Parks and Reserves Manager will determine whether the offer can be accepted. Monuments are a significant and important element of the landscape, and as such, the Council has given careful consideration to the impact of monument design, dimensions, material, installation and maintenance. P9. Monuments must comply with specifications set out in NZS 4242: 1995 Headstones and Cemetery Monuments and attachment one of this plan. P10. No individual monument shall cause offence or unfairly overwhelm adjacent areas either by design, wording or other mark. The word 'offence' refers to a proposed monument's design, wording or marks that are capable of wounding feelings or arousing real anger, disgust, PCC-# v1 Page 11 of 28

12 resentment or outrage in the mind of a reasonable person (where a reasonable person visits a cemetery). P11. The purchaser of the plot or their Assignees(s) must obtain all necessary permission, permits and authorisations from the Council prior to the installation of any monument. P12. The purchaser of the plot or their Assignee(s) are responsible for the care and maintenance of the monument. The General Manager will not give permission for any monuments that would cause offence or unfairly overwhelm adjacent areas either through design, wording or other mark. The General Manager will consider a monument to be offensive if the proposed monument would be capable of wounding feelings or arousing real anger, disgust, resentment or outrage in the mind of a reasonable person using the cemetery. No monumental permit shall be issued in respect of the Whenua Tapu Cemetery except for: 1) An upright headstone in the monumental section, Monumental Ashes Sections or the children's Monumental Section 2) A plaque in any section of the cemetery other than Monumental Ashes Section. Plaques or Headstones will need to meet the specifications set out in Appendix 1 or have the approval of the General Manager. Monuments, which are outside of the set specifications, are required to fit with any landscape plan or design statements or existing facilities and infrastructure. An appropriate management fee will also be charged to recognise future maintenance costs. No Monument is to be erected on the indigent person s grave or ash plot until such time as the plot and all associated fees have been paid to the Council. Authorisation for the erection of a monument is required. Authorisation requires the submission of monument dimensions and exact wording and decorations. Cultural diversity will be encouraged among memorial/headstone options. Information about different burial proceedings will be made available, so that cemetery personnel and visitors are aware of other cultures processes of burial, grief and gravesites markings. The Council reserves the right to remove any monuments that do not have the necessary permission, or meet a satisfactory standard or compromise the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations. In the event of there being no one available to effect repairs or permit removal, a photographic record of the monument shall be taken before removal and filed with cemetery records. The Council will follow the procedures outlined in the Burial and Cremation (Removal of Monuments and Tablets) Regulations These regulations provide for the removal of dilapidated or neglected monuments and tablets from cemeteries and burial grounds and closed cemeteries and closed burial grounds Council assumes no responsibility for any lost or damaged memorabilia whether caused by vandalism, theft, or removal by cemetery personnel. 4.6 Memorabilia Gravesites are often adorned with memorabilia such as floral tributes and other items. These tributes are commonplace in cemeteries and are a means by which family and friends honour the deceased, PCC-# v1 Page 12 of 28

13 in accordance with their culture and heritage. These personal touches are a welcome addition to Porirua cemeteries. Maintaining the appearance and accessibility of the cemetery, including individual gravesites, is important as it ensures the safety of visitors and personnel. With this in mind, the Council has given careful consideration to what is an acceptable tribute and how these items may be displayed. P13. Placing of floral tributes, memorabilia and other gravesite adornments is permissible. P14. The purchaser of the plot or their Assignee(s) is responsible for the care and maintenance of the memorabilia. P15. Cemetery personnel may remove any memorabilia/adornments that hamper access to or around gravesites by mowers, are unsafe, prohibited or deteriorating. Floral tributes placed on a grave following an interment may remain for five days, after which time they shall be removed by cemetery personnel All adornments must be placed on the concrete beam away from grass and mowing strip Prohibited items such as glass containers, vases or bottles are not permitted in and around graves Council assumes no responsibility for any lost or damaged memorabilia whether caused by any vandalism, theft or removal by cemetery personnel Where possible, adornments and memorabilia removed by cemetery personnel will be stored in the grounds keeping shed for a period of up to three months. No trees, shrubs or flowers shall be planted in any part of any cemetery by any person without the approval of the General Manager or representative. 4.7 Individuality, Ethnicity, Cultural Identity and Religious Denominations Recognising ethnic, cultural identity and religious denominations is important within a cemetery. Allowing diversity of burial methods and memorials allows family and friends to capture the individuality of their loved one, as well as providing a valuable heritage and cultural record of society for the time period. Designation of Religious, Cultural, and Ethnic Areas of a Cemetery It is possible for a religious group to petition the local authority to establish an area within a cemetery specific to their faith (section 11 (1) of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964). The Act currently does not provide recognition by way of culture, race or ethnicity, although this may change as the Act is under review. At Whenua Tapu Cemetery, a section has been set aside to accommodate the orientation and size of plots required by Muslim burial practices. The remainder of the cemetery is general with sections designated for returned services, children, lawn and monumental. Designation of areas within a cemetery, by way of religious affiliation or denomination, was once common practice. Porirua Cemetery, for example, has areas designated by Christian denomination. This practice of separation by faith is less common in newer cemeteries. The layout of the cemeteries is shown in appendix 2. PCC-# v1 Page 13 of 28

14 Urupa Porirua City Council acknowledges the importance of burial rights and practices specific to the Maori of Porirua with an annual grant, for maintenance purposes, for the Urupa of Ngati Toa. The Urupa of Ngati Toa meets the needs of the community. Burial Practices The burial proceedings and methods can vary greatly between cultures. Some Polynesian cultures like to lay tapa and fine mats in and around the gravesite before the casket is interred. This requires some preparation prior to the arrival of the funeral procession and is taken care of by family members. Muslims bury their dead wrapped in a shroud, and male mourners receive the body from within the grave. The body of the deceased person is passed to them by other mourners. A Muslim grave is positioned to face Mecca. P16. Ethnicities, cultures and religious denominations and the diversity of their respective burial methods will be recognised. Information about different burial proceedings will be made available, so that cemetery personnel and visitors are aware of other cultures processes of burial, grief and gravesites markings. 4.8 Eco Burials In recent times, there has been an increased interest in 'green', 'eco' or 'natural' burials in New Zealand. This is a practice where-by the deceased is not embalmed and is buried in a non-chemically treated bio-degradable casket. The graves are left unmarked with no monument or marker. There is no designated eco-burial area in Porirua, but it is possible that eco burials may become more popular with future generations. P.17 Council will consider the feasibility of an eco-burial site within the cemetery. There is currently no designated eco-burial area within Whenua Tapu and more work is required before Council can confirm the feasibility of developing an eco-burial area. 4.9 Indigent Persons Respectful and considerate cremation or burial is the right of all. When a person is destitute or impoverished, and their friends and relatives have insufficient means with which to pay for cremation or burial, it is the duty of the Council to provide these services. Verification of indigent status is via investigation and approval by a Justice of the Peace. Justices certify that the deceased, their friends and relatives do not have the means with which to pay for a burial or cremation; establishing that the concerned parties are of 'insufficient means' on the basis of evidence of 'cash at hand'. Assets are not included in the assessment. PCC-# v1 Page 14 of 28

15 Upon application, Work and Income New Zealand provides a funeral grant to those who are of 'insufficient means'. The grant is for professional services with regard to preparing the body for cremation or burial (for example, embalming), cost of casket, newspaper notice costs, hearse fees, compulsory fees for the purchase of a burial plot, and cremation fees. According to WINZ: A Funeral Grant should be paid directly to the funeral director. However, a Funeral Grant can be made to any of the following people: the funeral director, the partner or child of the deceased, the estate of the deceased, any person who has paid the deceased's funeral expenses or the parents of a deceased child". The Porirua City Council has borne the entire cost associated with interment and cremation of indigent persons in the past. To reduce costs to the Council, it is recommended that: Those receiving the WINZ Funeral Grant be required to pay a contribution towards burial and cremation fees. A funeral director, with a private crematorium, receiving the WINZ Funeral Grant be responsible for cremating the deceased person. Indigent graves in Council cemeteries are noted in cemetery records, these remain unmarked until all fees are paid in full. P18. Verification by a Justice of the Peace, of a person's indigent status, is required by the Council. P19. Cremation of indigents is the default option offered by the Council. P20. Council will investigate a request for contribution from indigent cremations where a WINZ grant has been issued. P21. Policies and bylaws regarding monuments are applicable to indigent burials. Records will reflect indigent status of the deceased The cemetery administration assist with applications for indigent cemetery services Where application is made to the council for the interment or cremation of any deceased poor person, the applicant shall, on making such application, provide to the council a duly signed certificate certifying that such deceased person has not left sufficient means to pay the standard charge of interment or cremation as set in the fees and charges schedule, and the relatives and friends are unable to pay the prescribed full fee. These people may be eligible for an ACC entitlement or WINZ grant that will help contribute towards a reduced fee for indigents. No monument is to be erected on the indigent person s grave or ash plot until such time as the plot and all associated fees have been paid to the Council. In addition, prior authorisation for the erection of a monument must be granted by the Sexton. Authorisation requires the submission of monument dimensions and exact wording and decorations Comments and Compliments Feedback, comments and compliments from ratepayers and service users are appreciated. The Council continuously strives to improve cemetery and crematorium service delivery and has a standard process for handling customer feedback. PCC-# v1 Page 15 of 28

16 Delivering a high standard of service and maintaining a clean, tidy, safe and welcoming environment is vital to the operation of the memorial parks. Customers are encouraged to contact the Council Call Centre with feedback regarding cemetery or crematorium services. P22. Feedback will be logged in the Customer Request Management (CRM) system. P23. Customers will receive 'recognition of feedback' within 3 days. P24. Customers will be advised of resolution of issues/s. Call Centre contact details will be made available at Whenua Tapu, Porirua Cemetery and Pauatahanui Burial Ground (i.e. on cemetery notice boards), and will be highlighted on cemeteries webpage. Where feedback concerns a serious matter, the Sexton, Parks and Reserves Manager and the Leisure Assets Manager will be appraised of the situation. Where appropriate and required, customers will be advised in writing of the outcome of the investigation, together with what action the Council proposes to take; otherwise, advice will be verbal Public use Use of Porirua cemeteries shall be in keeping with their purpose as a place of remembrance and reflection. As Porirua City grows, the cemeteries will become increasingly important in their role as an open space area for passive recreation and reflection. P25. Passive recreation activities which reflect the historic, cultural and aesthetic attributes of the cemetery are encouraged. P.26 Porirua Cemeteries are 'dog on-lead' areas. Specific activities which compromise the values or detract from the passive and contemplative nature of the cemeteries will not be permitted. Cemeteries will be promoted as public spaces of high cultural and historical value. Cemeteries will continue to be a dog on-lead area Signage Meaningful, informative and appropriately placed signs enhance visitors' perceptions and experience of the cemeteries and their associated features. This includes road signage as well as signs within the cemetery itself. Signs are classified as having the purpose of informing or directing. Future new signs may consider the following: Informative Signs Maps Heritage information Rules regarding acceptable standards, permissible activities, use of vehicles PCC-# v1 Page 16 of 28

17 Amenities available (toilets, water, rubbish and recycling and cemetery personnel) regarding placing of memorabilia Details for Council Contact Centre Opening hours Directional Signs To the cemetery from roadways Within the cemetery identifying diversions and sections P27. Signage within the cemeteries will be appropriate for the needs of cemetery users Cemetery Provision In the 1990s a study was undertaken on the life expectancy of Whenua Tapu and an area of land adjoining the cemetery was designated for cemetery purposes. The new extension to Whenua Tapu commenced being used for burials in Given the extended cemetery, it is estimated that Whenua Tapu cemetery burials will reach its maximum capacity around the year P.28 Whenua Tapu continued to be managed efficiently Consideration will be given to future management options for cemeteries in Porirua, with regard to best practice in New Zealand and overseas Cemetery Maintenance and Operation Council is responsible for maintaining the three cemeteries within Porirua. P.29 All work within the cemetery must be of an adequate standard. No person shall erect any monument, tablet, headstone, fence, railing, grave kerbing, or other structure on any plot or elsewhere in any cemetery unless a monument permit has been issued by the General Manager. All monuments and tablets shall be kept in proper order or repair by the purchaser of plots or their representatives or successors of the deceased person. Any trees, shrubs or flowers planted in the cemetery may at any time be trimmed, removed or cut down by the General Manager or representative. No monumental mason or other person doing any work in any cemetery shall place any tools, planks or other material on any footpath or other part of the cemetery for a longer time than is reasonably necessary for the purpose of completing the work. Care should be taken during works to ensure that the adjoining carriageways, paths or plots are not damaged. PCC-# v1 Page 17 of 28

18 5. PORIRUA CEMETERIES 5.1 Pauatahanui Burial Ground Located near the city's eastern boundary between Porirua and the Hutt Valley is Pauatahanui Burial Ground. This burial ground is important in the history of Pauatahanui and of wider Porirua. It is one of the district's oldest public burial grounds and is the resting place of many early settlers and pioneer families of Porirua; burials commenced 1860 and continued through to Two hundred names appear on the headstones. The cemetery is 'closed' though second interments do occasionally occur. Pauatahanui Burial Ground was vested in Council as part of the Porirua City Council (Pauatahanui Burial Ground) Act 2007 and the Pauatahanui Burial Ground Managers who are a group of community representatives help with the management of this cemetery. Management of the Burial Ground is the responsibility of the Pauatahanui Burial Ground Management Committee. This Committee is comprised of a Council officer and representatives of the Heritage Rose Group, the Stace Family, Pauatahanui Residents' Association, and St. Alban's Church. Committee activities cover physical maintenance, heritage roses, preservation and conservation, genealogical and historical research, records, publicity, documentation, and liaison with other groups. The early settlers to New Zealand brought rose cuttings with them on the long voyages from Britain for their gardens and when a family member died they often planted a rose by their grave. Some roses found growing in the Burial Ground are believed to be from original plantings and these are considered "living history". This living history is tended by a team of dedicated volunteers. Since 2008, the Rose Project has been underway with new rose plants joining the established roses in the burial ground. Council's responsibility is limited to the grounds and environment. Maintaining the period features, style and history of the burial ground is central to Council's approach to caring for this heritage site. In addition to this, the Council ensures that the burial ground is a safe public space. The care, maintenance and restoration of grave sites including monuments and memorials are the responsibility of the burial consent holder. However, Council will shore up or (if absolutely necessary) remove unsafe monuments, headstones and damaged vaults. The Pautahanui Burial Ground no longer has burial plots available for purchase. Second interments and burials in pre-purchased plots may still occur. Pauatahanui Burial Ground is an unstaffed facility as there are no new burial plots. PCC-# v1 Page 18 of 28

19 P30. Council will meet costs associated with maintaining a safe environment for visitors and personnel in the Pauatahanui Burial Ground. P31. Council shall take all reasonable steps along with the Managers of the Pautahanui Burial Ground, to foster community involvement in the upkeep and beautification of the Pauatahanui Burial Ground. P32. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust will be consulted with before undertaking any major repairs or major earthworks at the Pauatahanui Burial Ground. The land is managed as a memorial and historic park. Council will undertake to consult with the licence holder prior to restoring or removing damaged or unsafe monuments and vaults. Note that the Council will need to comply with the Burial and Cremation (Removal of Monuments and Tablets) Regulations 1967 and the Porirua City Council (Pauatahanui Burial Ground) Act Where works are required to a gravesite, a photographic record will be kept by Council and provided to the licence holder Council will provide support for the Rose Project Any works undertaken in the Pauatahanui Burial Ground should be consistent with any approved landscape or concept plan for the burial ground. PCC-# v1 Page 19 of 28

20 5.2 Porirua Cemetery Located close to Porirua city centre on Kenepuru Drive, Porirua Cemetery has the most urban situation of Porirua's three cemeteries; the grounds of Kenepuru Hospital surround Porirua Cemetery on three sides. Porirua Cemetery is an important cultural feature of Porirua City, as it was the primary cemetery of the district for the greater part of the 20 th century. The headstones, vaults and crypts of Porirua Cemetery present a good snap-shot of the changing styles and trends of architecture and design saw the 'closing' of Porirua Cemetery for all but second interments and burials in plots purchased before Council cemetery records show that 3,381 persons are buried in the cemetery; the first burial was that of Charles Crabbe on 13 September 1895; more than 2000 graves date from before 1946 and it is the resting place for more than 200 former patients of the old Porirua psychiatric hospital. The cemetery is subdivided into blocks, these being religious denominations (Roman Catholic and Church of England, Public non-conformist), Returned Services, and psychiatric hospital patients. The remains of numerous indigent persons are also interred at Porirua Cemetery many of these were patients of Porirua Psychiatric Hospital (approx ). This cemetery is near to capacity and plots are no longer available for purchase. Second interments and burials in pre-purchased plots may still occur. Porirua Cemetery is an unstaffed facility. P33. Council will meet costs associated with maintaining a safe environment for visitors and personnel in the Porirua Cemetery. P34. Council shall take all reasonable steps to foster community involvement in the upkeep and beautification of the Porirua Cemetery. The land is managed as a memorial park PCC-# v1 Page 20 of 28

21 Council will undertake to consult with the licence holder prior to restoring or removing damaged or unsafe monuments and vaults. Note that the Council will need to comply with the Burial and Cremation (Removal of Monuments and Tablets) Regulations Where works are required to a gravesite, a photographic record will be kept by Council and provided to the licence holder. 5.3 Whenua Tapu Cemetery and Crematorium Opened in 1975, Whenua Tapu is the primary cemetery of Porirua City. It is contemporary and modern in its layout and design, featuring a circular central carriage-way which enables easy access and viewing of graves by all visitors. Reflective of the funerary trends of our time, the gravesite markers are modest, uniform and complement the gentle slopes of the cemetery. The cemetery is hectares and development is ongoing. Whenua Tapu delivers quality cemetery and crematorium services within a well-managed, tranquil and peaceful native bush setting. Providing an ideal environment for reflection and remembrance, Whenua Tapu is a feature of the Porirua City that fosters community pride and is a future heritage site. Whenua Tapu Cemetery is located on Airlie Road off State Highway 1 between Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay. It is divided into two parts the original Eastern Division and the newer Western Division. The Cemetery is separated by the main trunk railway line. The cemetery offers specific areas for children and Returned Services, a memorial wall, and sections designated as lawn plaque, monumental adult and memorial garden. The cemetery offers a variety of services and burial options including ashes interment, single and double depth gravesites, on-site cremation and memorial service facilities in the award winning architecturally designed 90-seat chapel. The Council is committed to providing high levels of service; catering to the diverse needs of the community and meeting its legal requirements. Whenua Tapu Cemetery is a staffed facility. The gates open at 7:30am and close at dusk. PCC-# v1 Page 21 of 28

22 Crematorium and Chapel The Whenua Tapu Crematorium and Chapel are located within the Whenua Tapu Grounds. The Chapel can be hired in 30 minute time slots for a pre-committal/burial service and refreshments, by calling Council's Contact Centre. The Chapel seats up to 90 people with an overflow for 20 people in the Anteroom; it features views into the garden and offers a tranquil venue for a funeral or memorial service. A data projector is also available, upon request, for presentations. Details regarding operating hours for the Chapel and Crematorium are available from the Council Contact Centre. Council holds a resource consent that restricts the type of materials that may be burnt in the cremator. P35. Council will meet costs associated with maintaining a safe environment for visitors and personnel in Whenua Tapu Cemetery P36. Council will operate the Crematorium efficiently and effectively. Council will undertake to consult with the licence holder prior to restoring or removing damaged or unsafe monuments. Note that the Council will need to comply with the Burial and Cremation (Removal of Monuments and Tablets) Regulations Where works are required to a gravesite, a photographic record will be kept by Council and made available to the next of kin. Caskets that are made from cardboard, plastic, lead, steel and zinc will not be cremated. (However this prohibition does not include caskets containing uncoated steel coated steel casket fastenings, or non PVC casket fastening to prevent leakage of fluids. PCC-# v1 Page 22 of 28

23 All brightware and other extraneous plastic and metal casket attachments shall be removed prior to cremation. No casket shall be opened in the Crematorium without the consent of the Sexton. Only two people properly concerned with the cremation of the deceased may see the casket placed in the incinerating hall. PCC-# v1 Page 23 of 28

24 6. BIBLIOGRAPHY Cousins, J. (2010, August 25). News. Retrieved September 29, 2010, from Bay of Plenty Times: / / Harvey, S. (2010). Best Practice in Cemetery Conservation: Guidance for Monumental Masons, Local Authorities, Family Members. Retrieved September 30, 2010, from Historic Cemeteries Conservation Trust of New Zealand: Johns, G. (2004, Summer). Buried Treasure. (Heritage NZ Magazine) Retrieved October 1, 2010, from NZ Historic Places Trust Pouhere Taonga: BuriedTreasure.aspx Papakura District Council. (2010). Consultations: Draft Papakura District Cemetery Management. Retrieved September 10, 2010, from Papakura District Council: Porirua City Council. (1999, November 1). District Plan J Heritage Register. Retrieved September 30, 2010, from Porirua City Council: Plan/District-Plan-J-Heritage-Register Porirua City Council. (2003). General Policies for Reserves 2003.Retrieved March 20, 2010, from: Taupo District Council. (2006). District Public Cemetery Management Texas Historical Commission. (n.d.). Historic Texas Cemeteries Designation Guidelines. Retrieved September 28, 2010, from Texas Historical Commission: Upper Hutt City. (2010, July 7). Council Services Cemetery. Retrieved September 30, 2010, from Upper Hutt City: Waitakere City Council. (n.d.). LTTP Volume 2 part 8. Wanganui District Council. (n.d.). Wanganui District Council Heads Road Cemetery Management Plan Wellington City Council. (n.d.). Cemeteries Management Plan 2003 PCC-# v1 Page 24 of 28

25 APPENDIX 1: Permitted Monument Specifications for the different areas in Whenua Tapu General The foundation of each headstone or plaque shall be set centrally on the beam at the top of the plot in accordance with the Monumental plans. Only one headstone or plaque shall be installed on each plot. All vases or containers for flowers and foliage shall be housed in insets set into the base on which the headstone or tablet is placed, in such manner as shall be approved by the General Manager. Containers for flowers and foliage shall be installed on either side of the headstone or plaque. No more than two flower containers shall be installed for any plot except in the Ashes Plaque Section, Returned Services Ashes Section and Returned Services Plaque Section where a single inset for each plot shall be provided. In the Ashes Plaque Section, the Returned Services Ashes Section, and the Returned Services Plaque Section, the flower or foliage container shall be set flush with the beam. Any headstone or plaque in the cemetery shall be constructed of non-ferrous metal or granite, marble, or schist or other permanent material approved by the General Manager. Size of the Monuments Adult Lawn Plaque Section The plaque shall lie flat on the beam and shall measure 600 mm long by 400 mm wide and be no higher than 250 mm (inclusive of the foundations for the plaque) from the highest point on the concrete beam. If flower containers are included in the foundation each side of the plaque, the maximum length of the memorial shall be 900 mm. Flower containers installed separately on either side of the plaque shall be no higher than 175 mm. Children Lawn Plaque Section The plaque shall lie flat in the beam and shall measure 500 mm by 350 mm and be no higher than 250 mm (inclusive of the foundations for the plaque) from the highest point on the berm. If flower containers are included in the foundation each side of the plaque, the maximum length of the memorial shall be 800 mm. Flower containers installed separately on either side of the plaque shall be no higher than 175 mm. Returned Services Lawn Section The plaque shall be flat and be of a kind as supplied by the appropriate Government Department. Returned Services Ashes plaque section The Returned Services Ashes Section of the cemetery the plaque shall be flat and not exceed 370mm by 220mm by 175mm high. Monumental Section A headstone including its foundation shall be no higher than 900 mm from the highest point on the beam and be no more than 430 mm wide by 900 mm long. Monumental Ashes Section The headstone shall measure no more than 400 mm wide by 600 mm long and shall be no higher than 700 mm (inclusive of the foundation for the headstone) from the highest point on the beam. The headstones shall be installed back to back on the concrete beam for adjoining plots. Childrens Monumental Section A headstone shall measure no more than 400 mm wide by 600 mm long and shall be no higher than 700 mm (inclusive of the foundation for the headstone) from the highest point on the beam. PCC-# v1 Page 25 of 28

26 APPENDIX 2: Layout of the Cemeteries Porirua Cemetery PCC-# v1 Page 26 of 28

27 Pauatahanui Burial Ground PCC-# v1 Page 27 of 28

28 Whenua Tapu ISBN (Print) PCC-# v1 Page 28 of 28