Update Following Feedback Received

Thanks to those who took the time to contribute feedback to the draft Cemetery Policy public consultation.

We had 16 participants in our ‘quick poll’, with 14 in support of the key themes of the Policy, and two people not in support.

Further to the poll, we had ten formal submissions with two people wanting to present their views in person.

Most submissions were in support of the policy with additional suggestions that included:

• Research into ‘eco’ burials and ways of minimising the impact of cemeteries on the environment
• Addressing the issue of people parking in the Rangiora Lawn Cemetery area to watch sport in the adjacent sports ground and provision of additional seating
• Submitters were concerned about cemetery and headstone maintenance with some identifying specific areas of concern.
• Funeral industry representatives have put forward suggestions regarding the size and placement of headstones.

Some very useful information has been received and was discussed by the Council’s Hearing Panel on Wednesday 3 March. Following the hearing, the Council met on Tuesday 6 April to formally adopt the Policy.

Thanks again for sharing your views with us and we look forward to your input into future projects.

Kind regards,

The Project Team