Burials must take place in an approved cemetery unless there are exceptional circumstances and permission is given by the Ministry of Health. Most cemeteries are owned and operated by local authorities and some by trusts or iwi.
Cemetery plots are able to accommodate more than one person if the first is buried more deeply. Most cemeteries no longer allow pre-purchase of plots although some will allow purchase of neighbouring plots at the time of a burial.
The Wellington region has the following cemeteries, however out of district fees apply if you choose a cemetery outside your rateable area:
Makara Cemetery – Wellington City Council
Whenua Tapu Cemetery – Porirua City Council
Taita Lawn Cemetery – Lower Hutt City Council
Akatarawa Cemetery – Upper Hutt City Council
Karori and Porirua cemeteries are now closed except for second interments and burials into family plots.
