NZ's first natural burial cemetery opens
Friday, 30 May 2008
New Zealand's first natural burial cemetery will be officially opened on Wellington's south coast next week.
The site - part of Wellington's Makara Cemetery - will be opened by the capital's Mayor Kerry Prendergast on Tuesday.
Natural Burials founder Mark Blackham said the cemetery was a first for New Zealand.
"People are demanding more involvement and choice in what happens to their bodies after they die, and can be attracted to the idea of a natural burial for many reasons, including religious, spiritual and environmental," he said.
Those who chose a natural burial would rest around one metre down, unembalmed, in a biodegradable casket, he said.
Compost would also be added to the soil to assist decomposition.
Mr Blackham said a native tree would be planted at the head or base of each plot.
"Many people find the idea of being buried in an area that will eventually be covered in native bush, a fitting memorial to their lives and see it as a legacy for future generations," he said.
- NZPA
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