If you're thinking about scattering the ashes of your loved one, here's some important things to know.
Where not to scatter ashes
Please don't scatter ashes in busy public places where people gather, like:
- parks, reserves and gardens used for picnics or sports
- playgrounds or event spaces
These places are for everyone to enjoy, and ashes can make people feel uncomfortable or upset.
Where you can scatter ashes
You can scatter ashes:
- on private property - if the property owner says it's okay. Just remember the land might be sold one day.
- at a public cemetery - in a special area, but talk to our cemeteries team first. There's no formal place for plaques or memorials.
If you would like a lasting memorial, you can:
- place the ashes in a plot or special area at a public cemetery and add a plaque or memorial. For the application form and fees,
Respecting cultures and sacred places
Different cultures have different ways of dealing with cremation and ashes. Please think about this before choosing where to scatter ashes. In Māori culture some places are waahi tapu (sacred), like:
- waterways - rivers and beaches
- mountains (maunga)
- places where food is grown
- places where people live
Before scattering ashes near any of these places, please talk to:
- a local kaumātua (elder) or runanga representative
- your funeral service provider
- or ask us for guidance.
Protecting nature
Our rivers, beaches and soils are home to native birds, fish and plants. Please don't pollute the environment with plastic, string, wire, cloth, ash or other materials that could harm nature - take them home with you.