We want to hear your views on the proposed Waikato District Council Cemeteries Bylaw 2023. The Bylaw regulates all Council Controlled Cemeteries (not Private Cemeteries or Urupa) and is now open for consultation.
In July 2022, we undertook early engagement to ask the community for input on the proposed bylaw and whether any changes were necessary to enhance the bylaw's effectiveness. We asked specifically if natural burial areas should be an option in Council cemeteries, and if dogs on-lead should be allowed. Early engagement feedback was carefully considered and where possible included in the proposed Bylaw.
The three most significant changes following early engagement are:
- to allow dogs on-lead in cemeteries,
- to allow for natural burial areas in cemeteries and;
- removing the clause that prohibited the back filling of graves by loved ones.
The document library on this page contains the Statement of Proposal which highlights the key proposed changes to the Bylaw, a copy of the proposed Bylaw with the changes highlighted in red and a printable submission form if you don't want to use the online submission form below.
Submissions close 16 April 2023.
All submissions made on the Bylaw will be presented to Council and an opportunity will be available to speak to your submission at a hearing if requested.
