First steps to extending Kororāreka urupa
First steps to extending the Kororāreka Russell urupa got underway last December with a project to create around 2,200 square metres of much-needed new cemetery space.
First steps to extending the Kororāreka Russell urupa got underway last December with a project to create around 2,200 square metres of much-needed new cemetery space. The project is expected to be completed by June 2024.
Work started on Monday 11 December shortly after a site blessing. Initial works included creating an accessway to a parcel of land adjacent to the back boundary of the existing cemetery. Clearing vegetation and adding mulch to protect the area followed. Now that the contours of the cleared land are known, a design process can begin to determine the exact layout of cemetery elements, as well as where topsoil and grass seed will be laid.
Future developments are expected to include construction of a memorial wall, creation of grass berm strips, and installation of pou to honour the kōiwi (human bones) found at nearby Oneroa Bay, also known as Long Beach, in 2020. The kōiwi were reburied at the existing cemetery. Improvements to the entrance will complete the project.
Land for the cemetery extension was gifted to the council by a local resident.
Main photo - the existing cemetery space with the cleared areas next to and behind the existing cemetery.
Below - the outlook from the urupa to Oneroa Bay.
Below - the new area cleared in preparation for the cemetery extension.
Below - the location of part of the extension area.
