BURIAL OPTIONS

The burial process uses a plot of land which may be of varying sizes. To minimize the amount of land used, all cemeteries will allow you to bury 2 people into the same plot, in some cemeteries you will be allowed to bury 3 people in the same plot. This occurs by burying the first person at the deepest depth, the second burial is middle depth, and the third person will be placed on top.

Graves are labelled by temporary grave markers and are prescribed by council bylaws, these will normally be placed on the grave until a more permanent monument is organised. The permanent monument is also prescribed by local authority bylaws which generally state that they are to be made of Granite, Marble or Bronze.

Makara Cemetery in Wellington has a Natural Burial Section, which allows people to be buried in single graves at a single depth, with an untreated wooden post as a marker.  Check to see if a section like this exists in your local cemetery, your funeral director will be able to assist you in this process.   [More Information on Natural Burials]

If you wish to be buried you should consider how you can lesson the impact of this piece of land on the environment. This may be to have a double or triple depth plot, or a natural burial plot if it is available in your area.