We manage 11 public cemeteries across the Gisborne Tairāwhiti district. On this page you will find cemetery locations, a search tool for plot locations and records, operating hours for burials, and information on cremation records.
Our cemeteries
Main cemeteries:
- Taruheru Cemetery - Nelson Road Gisborne
- Tolaga Bay - Ferneaux Street
- Tokomaru Bay - Waiotu Road
- Patutahi - Cemetery Road
Regional cemeteries
Ruatoria, Rakauroa, Ormond, Motu and Te Araroa
Historic site
Makaraka Cemetery (Houhoupiko) - Gisborne's earliest cemetery, now closed and preserved as a historic site.
Cremation records
We hold cremation records up to March 1998
- If ashes were buried in our district cemetery, you can search burial record online.
- If ashes weren't buried and you wish to find the cremation record, submit an inquiry using our Online Form
From April 1998 to today
Cremations are performed by Evans Funeral Service, who hold the records.
- If ashes were buried in a district cemetery, you can search records online Search Records
- If ashes weren't buried, please contact Evans Funeral Service, Gisborne for further details.
Private cemeteries and urupā
We do not hold records for private cemeteries or urupā in the Gisborne Tairāwhiti district
There are many urupā across our district, but these are not maintained by Council. If you need any information, please contact the local kaumātua or a rūnanga representative.
Find a cemetery plot location
To locate a cemetery plot at Taruheru, Makaraka, Patutahi, Ormond, Rakauroa, Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay, Te Puia Springs and Te Araroa cemeteries. See our Cemetery Search Page
Operating hours for burials
- Monday to Saturday 10am – 3.30pm
- Sunday 11am - 2pm
- Statutory holidays - no burials
Burials may only take place at other times by special arrangement with Council and on payment of any additional fees.