Cemetery FAQs

Cemetery plot searches can be undertaken using the Plot Record Search which allows a search of a deceased person by name. The search usually shows the age of the deceased, date of interment, which cemetery and part of the cemetery they are interred in, as well as any other interments also in that plot.

If you require more information please contact Nelson City Council on 03 546 0200.

The full care and maintenance of a memorial or plaque is the property and ongoing responsibility of the interred person’s family or descendants.

No adornments, small structures or other articles can be placed anywhere off the concrete burial beam.

Ash scattering sites are provided in Marsden Valley Cemetery in the Titoki Glade and the Oak Block and approval from the Sexton is required prior to scattering.

Other specified scattering areas are only available at the discretion of the Sexton.

Marsden Valley Cemetery

• Memorial Walk - up to four urns
• Beam plots, kerbs and wall – up to two urns
• Bellbird Ashes Lawn family ashes plot – up to eight urns
• Memorial kerb – plaque only

Hira, Seaview and Wakapuaka Cemeteries

• Beam plots – up to two urns.

Planting of shrubs, trees or creating a small garden area is not permitted anywhere within the cemetery without the Council’s approval.

Animals are not permitted to be interred in the Council’s cemeteries.

A burial plot can only be purchased for a burial, however, once one burial has taken place, ashes urns may be interred in this area also if there is space. The one exception is the natural burial area where ashes urns cannot be interred.

Cremations are held on the same day of the funeral service, or by arrangement immediately after the service.

The entire coffin is burnt, handles are made of combustible material or removed prior to cremation.

Ashes are available immediately if the family requires them.

No, as the cremators are cleaned out following every cremation

Nelson City Council requires removal of flowers from cemeteries prior to some lawn mowing services in the week before Christmas. The Council will post a public notice regarding the removal of flowers and you may remove flowers yourself or Council staff will be happy to remove them on a specified date just prior to the mowing.