14 Jul 2016

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Options that enable people to scatter ashes of loved ones in specially designated areas in cemeteries and other public places will be investigated by Christchurch City Council staff.

At its meeting today the Council adopted the 2016 Parks and Reserves Bylaw with the provision that staff explore a range of alternative options for scattering ashes.

The original draft of the bylaw allowed for ashes to be interred or scattered in parks and reserves on the condition that written approval was first obtained from the Council, but that was opposed by local iwi for cultural reasons.

Cr David East, Chairman of the Regulation and Consents Committee, said the Parks and Reserves bylaw had not previously dealt with scattering of ashes but it was something that needed to be addressed.

“Any solution must be both practical and considerate of cultural sensitivities,’’ Cr East said. “Using a regulatory approach and banning it outright simply isn’t practical — who would enforce it?

Developing alternatives, and letting the public know about their choices, such as scattering ashes in cemeteries will allow families to register names in the cemetery database for future genealogical searches.

“Identifying designated areas is a sensible way to allow people to lay loved ones to rest in a manner that works for their family while acknowledging there is a range of community views,’’ Cr East said.

Council staff will develop guidelines for any designated site with the appropriate Rūnanga and update the Council’s Cemeteries Handbook as proposals are finalised.