Natural Burial Guidelines In Updated Cemeteries Bylaw

19 APRIL 2012

For Immediate Release

Allowing natural burials in a specific area of Hamilton Park Cemetery is a key feature of a proposed update of the city’s Cemeteries and Crematorium Bylaw. The bylaw is one of a suite of bylaws currently being reviewed by Hamilton City Council, and the views of members of the public are being sought. Cr Daphne Bell, Chair of Council’s Sustainability Working Group, says natural burials often reflect people’s personal or environmental views.

“Natural burials are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and Council wants to be able to offer this alternative to the community. Our updated bylaw, if adopted, would set out the guidelines for natural burials, and designate a specific area of the Hamilton Park Cemetery for them,” Cr Bell says.

Aspects of natural burials include shallower interment, no embalming or permanent memorial, and the use of untreated timber and biodegradable materials for caskets. Similarly, any clothing or items in caskets would need to be biodegradable. The natural burial area would be planted according to a cemetery planting plan, and the location of interment sites would be through a cemetery tracking system.

Submissions on the proposed new Cemeteries and Crematorium Bylaw close on 27 April. Submissions can be filled out online at www.hamilton.co.nz, posted to the Strategy and Research Unit, Freepost 172189, Hamilton, City Council, Private Bag 3010, Hamilton, hand-delivered to the second floor of the Municipal Building, Garden Place, Hamilton, or e-mailed to submissions@hcc.govt.nz

ENDS

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