Auckland Council has bought a $16m plot of land near Karaka in rural south Auckland as a future site for cemetery operations – despite opposition from iwi and a local board.
The purchase followed, according to the council, a lengthy search for suitable cemetery land as the current south Auckland cemeteries approach their burial capacity.
Auckland Council said the land was selected for its “location and physical characteristics, and will augment Auckland’s extensive cemetery network”. The site consisted of two adjacent properties at Linwood Road and Biddick Road at Te Hihi. The settlement date is due in October this year.
Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker said the land purchase was timely and much needed for the area.
“South Auckland requires more cemetery capacity to meet the needs of this fast-growing part of the region.”
“Finding a suitable location was a challenging and lengthy process.
“The land meets the criteria for a cemetery and this is a sensible and timely acquisition by the council with appropriate cemetery land in Auckland being hard to find.”
Opposition to purchase
In a statement, Auckland Council said it acknowledged Ngati Tamaoho and Whātāpaka Marae objected to the purchase of this land for a cemetery, for cultural reasons.
The council had engaged with Ngāti Tamaoho including Whātāpaka Marae, Ngāti Te Ata and Te Ākitai Waiohua in this process, who each provided a lens of cultural input.
“While differing views remain, the council is committed to engaging openly, respectfully, and constructively to address concerns where possible,” the council said.
“We value our relationship with mana whenua and will continue to work closely with them throughout the planning, development, and establishment of the cemetery.”
The Franklin Local board, who was also consulted during the due diligence process, and although it recognised the need for the additional cemetery capacity in south Auckland, it did not support acquisition of the site.
“The board raised concerns relating to land use, rural amenity, traffic and road safety, proximity to Te Hihi School, and alternative site options. The council will continue to consider these matters through future planning, design and statutory approval processes.”
Opportunities to provide input
Auckland Council general manager of parks and community facilities Taryn Crewe said planning towards the future use of the site would begin later this year.
“This will involve a process of wider stakeholder liaison through the consenting and design phases ahead of developing the site.”
She said securing the land was “the first step”.
“The development of a cemetery site of this scale will be a multi-year process and it is likely to be some time before it is fully operational. The staged development will span decades similar to how we have developed our other three hub cemeteries.”
“We have signalled that our development process will include significant opportunities for our stakeholders and community to provide input.
“What’s really important is that we’ve secured a large piece of land that gives lots of scope for creating a very special place of remembrance for many, many decades to come.”
Crewe noted it was the council’s second land purchase for a cemetery in one year, which was labelled unusual.
“The land acquisition at Te Hihi is the first step in putting in place a new cemetery that will help meet long-term demand for the South Auckland community.
“It comes only months after the council secured new land in Kumeū to build an additional cemetery in the northwest as Waikumete Cemetery gets closer to reaching its capacity.”
One proposal for a massive facility would dwarf the township of Waimāukū. (Source: 1News)
In total, Auckland Council said it owns and operates 53 cemeteries across the region, which cover approximately 300 hectares.
The three main cemeteries, known as "hub cemeteries" are located at Manukau Memorial Gardens, North Shore Memorial Park and Waikumete Cemetery.
Each year, the council carried out approximately 1500 burials, 1000 ash burials and 2400 cremations. It also hosted about 800 chapel services and 450 lounge hires.
Of this number, around two thirds of annual burials were in the south, the council added.
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