Kapiti council ignores grieving families, say funeral directors

Grieving families are not being considered in Kapiti Coast District Council’s plan to ban the scattering of ashes on beaches, rivers and parks without prior approval, says the Funeral Directors Association.

“This is a bonkers idea that adds another layer of bureaucracy and stress on to grieving families” says Chief Executive Katrina Shanks.

“My first question is why? Where’s the evidence that harm is being caused which allows for such a wide-reaching proposed bylaw?

"People who are grieving should be able to respectfully scatter ashes in places that are special to them or the deceased person as long as they are not causing harm.

“If the council has concerns then the development of guidelines is a much more effective method of educating grieving families.

“In 2014, Wellington City Council proposed charging families for permits to scatter ashes in parks and on beaches but they backed down after a public backlash.

“As in that case, if the Kapiti council had bothered to consult the Funeral Directors Association of NZ they would have seen that it’s a stupid idea that is not workable.

“Scattering ashes in public places is part of who we are as New Zealanders. It’s part of our ritual of saying goodbye, and councils should respect that.”

ENDS

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