Burials - Purchasing a Plot

Each cemetery has its own guidelines for plots that can be purchased for burials and ash scattering. As a general guide:

Karori - Burials - plots are reserved by size (single or double) and by the type of memorial monument (granite, bronze, children).

Karori - Ashes - rose garden plots, granite and bronze niches, and scattering in native bush. Alternatively, you can inter in an existing family plot.

Makara - Burials - plots are reserved denominationally, different specifications can apply to each plot with unique conditions for multiple burials.

Makara - Ashes - headstone options, or granite/bronze plaque areas. Alternatively, you can inter in an existing family plot.

Bolton Street Memorial Park - Ashes - you can inter ashes in existing family plots.

Right of Interment

Makara Cemetery

When the Council sells a burial plot it sells an 'Exclusive Right of Interment' in perpetuity.

If you wish to purchase a plot, you must complete this form:

Application to Purchase an Exclusive Right of Interment (76Kb PDF)

The person named as the 'Applicant' on this form is considered the official plot owner, and a 'Deed of Exclusive Right of Interment' is issued in their name. The Holder is the only person who can legally decide who will be interred there - by issuing a Right of Interment - and what memorials will be placed there.

If the Deed Holder dies before issuing a Right of Interment, the immediate next of kin or person in charge of the estate can decide how to use the plot as long as all interested parties agree. To provide authority to use an existing plot, you must complete the following form:

Application to Inter in Existing Plot (101Kb PDF)

The Deed Holder, immediate next of kin or estate trustee can transfer ownership of a plot, or change the parties named as holding a Right of Interment, by completing the following form:

Application to Vary an Existing Deed of Exclusive Right of Interment (46Kb PDF)

Department Details:
Cemeteries (Parks & Gardens)