Thanks to everyone who submitted feedback on this project

We received a total of five submissions about the Cemeteries Handbook update, from three individuals and the following organisations:

• Hope Funerals Christchurch
• Christchurch Water Crematorium

What you told us

Submitter views were mixed. Two submitters fully supported the proposed amendments, while one preferred that no amendment be made at this stage. Two submissions provided no clear preference either way.

Reasons supporting the Handbook update:

• Evolving nature of death industry and practices
• Option should be available for interment to give people the choice, noting environmental benefits of water cremation

Reason opposing the Handbook update:

• Review of Act should be completed first

You can read more about what we heard in the meeting agenda below, which includes the staff report. To read all the feedback we received, look at the submission record below.

Meeting details and decision making process

A staff report recommending approval of the Cemeteries Handbook update will be presented to Council.

Date: 3 September 2025

Time: 9.30am

Venue: Camellia Chambers, Level 2, Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street

This is a public meeting and everyone is welcome.

You can read the meeting agenda, including the staff report and any additional information online at councillive.ccc.govt.nz

The final decision is recorded in the meeting minutes, available online three working days after the meeting.