Purchase burial plot

Buying or reserving a burial plot

To purchase the right to be buried in a cemetery plot, you can do this here online or contact our Cemeteries Team to help you.

Once you've paid for a plot, you'll be issued a Plot Reservation Certificate . This legal document grants you the right to use the plot for your own burial or to give permission for someone else to be buried there.

We recommend sharing a copy of the certificate with your lawyer and letting your family know, so they're aware you've secured burial rights.

Burial rights can be transferred to close family members but cannot be sold to others. If you wish to cancel or refund a plot, we'll refund the original purchase amount.

Understanding burial rights

Purchasing a burial plot gives you the right to be buried there or to nominate someone else. It does not grant ownership of the land.

These rights last for 60 years from the date of purchase. If unused and not renewed or extended, the rights will lapse and  the plot may be repurposed. Extensions are available for a fee.

Shared plots and family burials

Burial rights don’t automatically extend to other family members. If someone wishes to be buried in the same plot, they must provide evidence of burial rights.

If evidence can't be supplied, we may consider requests for shared interments if written consent is provided by remaining family members or all nearest next of kin - such as spouses, parents, grandparents, siblings, children, civil union partners or de facto partners.

Returned Services RSA plots

Returned veterans are eligible for dedicated RSA areas at Taruheru, Tolaga Bay, and Ruatoria cemeteries. Anyone who has served in a recognised conflict situation may apply for a Returned Services plot.

These plots allow double burials for a spouse or partner. A standard memorial plaque is available at a subsidised rate through Veterans’ Affairs NZ.

Check RSA eligibility

Natural burials and ashes

Natural burial areas are not currently available in Council's public cemeteries.

Ashes can be scattered in approved locations within most Council cemeteries. These areas do not permit plaques or memorials.
See advice on scattering ashes

Organising a burial without a funeral director

You can organise a burial without a funeral director. To do so, you'll need to:

• notify our Cemeteries Team at least 8 working hours before the burial
• complete all required forms - see forms below
• nominate a single point of contact for the burial day.

Burial on private property

Burial on private land is restricted under the Burial and Cremation Act 1964. It can be a complex process and may take time to gain approval, as consent is typically required from both the Ministry of Health and Council.

If you're considering this option, refer to sections 46, 47 and 48 of the Act for more detail or seek legal advice.

Plot purchase and burial forms