New guidelines for cemetery plot reservations

As part of ongoing efforts to manage cemetery space across the district, Far North District Council (FNDC) has introduced new guidelines for plot reservations in its public cemeteries.

This move is in response to population growth, an ageing community and ensuring that sufficient burial space is available for current needs. It also aims to reduce ‘plot hoarding’ which can see plots reserved but unused for many years.

Currently, FNDC oversees 11 cemeteries located in Kerikeri, Russell, Paihia, Totara North, Kaeo, Rāwene, Kaitāia, Kawakawa, Kaikohe, Kohukohu, and Okaihau. The district has a total of 9524 burial plots, with only 833 spaces remaining.

Given the rising demand, the council is looking into existing capacity of its cemeteries across the region. An additional 128 burial plots and 56 ash berms were added to the Kerikeri cemetery space earlier this year and Russell cemetery is currently under expansion.

New guidelines that will tighten controls on plot reservations are:

• One application per burial will be allowed
• Family members of the deceased may reserve up to two additional plots adjacent to the burial plot, subject to availability
• The Certificate of Title for each reserved plot must be registered to a single individual. If a second plot is reserved, the certificate must be registered to a different person
• Special consideration may be given for plot reservations from terminally ill individuals, on a case-by-case basis.

These restrictions are aimed at ensuring the ongoing availability of burial plots for the community while managing the future growth of the Far North. The guidelines will be reviewed in December 2025.