Recent maintenance issues at cemeteries in Rotorua, New Zealand, have left mourners disappointed, with weeds growing to heights exceeding headstones.
Concerns Raised Over Cemetery Upkeep
Karen Gardiner, who regularly visits the Kauae Cemetery to pay respects to her daughter Kristi-Rae Ruri-Gardiner, who died in 2010, expressed her dismay at the current conditions. She stated the upkeep is “the worst I’ve seen in 15 years,” noting a shift from consistent mowing to leaving weeds to grow unchecked.
The issues extend beyond Ms. Gardiner’s observations, with a post on a local Facebook page describing the cemeteries as “neglected, overgrown and disrespected.” The Rotorua Lakes Council manages the Rotorua Cemetery and Crematorium on Sala St, as well as cemeteries in Mamaku, Reporoa and Ngākuru, in addition to Kauae Cemetery, which has a separate governing board.
Rotorua Lakes Council community experience group manager Alex Wilson acknowledged the concerns, stating that staff were at Kauae Cemetery on Monday and Tuesday mowing and weeding as part of scheduled maintenance, with spraying planned for later in the week. Wilson attributed the overgrowth to favorable growing conditions, and emphasized that there have been no cutbacks to maintenance budgets.
While the council maintains that staffing levels have not changed Wilson noted that current vacancies are being addressed. Kauae Urupā/Cemetery Trust Board trustee Kingi Biddle indicated the board has not yet been approached regarding the issues, but is prepared to collaborate with the council to ensure proper upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cemeteries are managed by the Rotorua Lakes Council?
The Rotorua Lakes Council manages the Rotorua Cemetery and Crematorium on Sala St, as well as the cemeteries in Mamaku, Reporoa, and Ngākuru. It also operates and maintains Kauae Cemetery on Ngongotahā Rd, although a separate board of trustees governs it.
What is the council’s explanation for the current condition of the cemeteries?
The Rotorua Lakes Council attributes the overgrowth to good growing conditions, rather than any cutbacks to maintenance budgets, and states that issues are addressed through scheduled maintenance.
What has been the response from the council to the concerns raised?
Council staff were at Kauae Cemetery on Monday and Tuesday mowing and weeding, as part of scheduled maintenance, and spraying was scheduled for later in the week.
As cemeteries hold deep significance for families, how will the Rotorua Lakes Council balance resource allocation with the community’s expectations for respectful and consistent upkeep of these spaces?
