Grieving Families May Face Extra Cost Due To Cemetery Rule

Thursday, 6 March 2025, 9:16 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Hurunui’s new cemeteries bylaw has raised questions about whether it will add extra costs for families burying their loved ones.

The new bylaw, which came into effect on March 1, requires a funeral director to be present during a burial in the Hurunui district, North Canterbury.

But deputy Mayor Vince Daly told Local Democracy Reporting as there is no legal requirement for families to hire a funeral director, the bylaw is inconsistent with the law.

‘‘If a family can’t afford an undertaker, we are telling them they need to hire one anyway, so we are just adding to their cost.’’

The council is now looking at allowing staff to make exceptions to the rule in some cases.

Council staff said the clause was included for health and safety reasons.

‘‘It is the funeral director who ensures the health and safety of the family and attendees at the internment.’’

If there was no funeral director, the sexton would need to be present at the burial and this was a cost the council, staff said.

Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the new bylaw is enforceable.

‘‘We can set a bylaw which sets a higher standard than what the law says.’’

However, he agreed to work with Councillor Daly to draft an operational document to advise staff on how to make exceptions, on a case-by-case basis.

The council consulted on the new bylaw last year and received no submissions.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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