ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
For the first time in 50 years the law that regulates burials and cremations is being reviewed by the Law Commission says Labour’s Associate spokesperson for Ethnic Affairs ,Dr Rajen Prasad.
“This will be important for New Zealand’s 500,000 strong ethnic communities. They have different approaches to dealing with their dead and this is a good opportunity for those different ethnic groups to have their say. They must ensure the law is consistent with their customs and protocols.
“The cultural landscape of the country has changed dramatically since the law was last reviewed 50 years ago and there needs to be the provision of culturally appropriate options for burial and cremation.
The review of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 will deal with a number of issues including where one can be buried, who can open and operate a cemetery, how crematoria operate, how to dispose of ashes after cremation, and how to settle disputes.
“I am aware of the particular requirements of the Muslim community to ensure burials take place within 24 hours and for parts of cemeteries to be designated to their rituals and practices” said Dr Prasad. Some Hindu communities have also expressed concerns about the availability of crematorium services seven days a week and the scattering of the ashes with other items such as flowers, according to traditional Hindu rites in designated areas.
“Some ethnic communities may also want to own and operate their own cemeteries and how sacred land and areas are to be managed.
“Communities have to 20th December, just a month away, to make their views known. They can be made online at www.lawcom.govt.nz, emailed to burialreview@lawcom.govt.nz or posted to Burial Review, Law Commission, PO Box 2590, DX SP 23534, Wellington 6140.
“A brief summary of the Paper and key proposals is also available on the Commission’s website. I encourage community leaders to take this opportunity to make their views known.”
For the first time in 50 years the law that regulates burials and cremations is being reviewed by the Law Commission says Labour’s Associate spokesperson for Ethnic Affairs ,Dr Rajen Prasad. “This will be important for New Zealand’s 500,000 strong ethnic communities. They have different approaches...
For the first time in 50 years the law that regulates burials and cremations is being reviewed by the Law Commission says Labour’s Associate spokesperson for Ethnic Affairs ,Dr Rajen Prasad.
“This will be important for New Zealand’s 500,000 strong ethnic communities. They have different approaches to dealing with their dead and this is a good opportunity for those different ethnic groups to have their say. They must ensure the law is consistent with their customs and protocols.
“The cultural landscape of the country has changed dramatically since the law was last reviewed 50 years ago and there needs to be the provision of culturally appropriate options for burial and cremation.
The review of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 will deal with a number of issues including where one can be buried, who can open and operate a cemetery, how crematoria operate, how to dispose of ashes after cremation, and how to settle disputes.
“I am aware of the particular requirements of the Muslim community to ensure burials take place within 24 hours and for parts of cemeteries to be designated to their rituals and practices” said Dr Prasad. Some Hindu communities have also expressed concerns about the availability of crematorium services seven days a week and the scattering of the ashes with other items such as flowers, according to traditional Hindu rites in designated areas.
“Some ethnic communities may also want to own and operate their own cemeteries and how sacred land and areas are to be managed.
“Communities have to 20th December, just a month away, to make their views known. They can be made online at www.lawcom.govt.nz, emailed to burialreview@lawcom.govt.nz or posted to Burial Review, Law Commission, PO Box 2590, DX SP 23534, Wellington 6140.
“A brief summary of the Paper and key proposals is also available on the Commission’s website. I encourage community leaders to take this opportunity to make their views known.”
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