Auckland natural cemetery site search

Auckland natural cemetery site search

Prompted by the looming cemetery space shortage, Natural Burials has announced that it is looking for sites in Auckland to turn into natural cemeteries.

The not for profit organisation has today issued a call to Aucklanders for offers of land larger than 10 acres that could be turned into a natural cemetery.

Natural cemeteries use funds from natural burials to restore the cemetery land into beautiful native bush parks.

In a natural burial bodies are unembalmed, placed in untreated wood caskets or shrouds which are then buried in the higher active soil layers, with a tree planted directly above the plot.

Natural Burials is already in the final stages of establishing a cemetery in Wellington, and is now looking to Auckland.

Mark Blackham, founder of Natural Burials, said the Auckland site needed to have “something special” about it.

"Natural cemeteries are beautiful places which people feel are special spots for their last resting place, and for relatives to visit into the future.

“The concept means people have the comfort of knowing their body will be in a truly natural and beautiful place,” Mr Blackham said.

Mr Blackham said a natural cemetery run by Natural Burials would help alleviate the looming plot shortage in Auckland, with the added benefit of eliminating the set up and infinite maintenance costs for local authorities.

“Research has shown us that over 30% of Aucklanders would opt for a natural burial if it was available, so this alternative would reduce a lot of the demand on traditional Council cemeteries,” he said.

Mr Blackham said the organisation was willing to consider offers of any nature, including commercial arrangements.

Landowners are asked to email: mark@naturalburials.co.nz

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