Burials and ash interments
We provide burial, ash interment, and ash scattering services across our four active cemeteries. This page explains how to book an interment, what paperwork is required, and what to expect on the day.
Types of Interments
Burial
A burial involves lowering a casket into a grave. Burials are arranged through a funeral director, who will manage the booking and required paperwork on your behalf. All burials (except natural burial plots) are prepared to double depth unless otherwise requested, allowing space for a second burial in the future.
Ash interment
An ash interment involves placing cremated remains into a burial plot or ash plot. Ash interments can be arranged through a funeral director, or directly with council. Families can choose a new plot or use an existing family plot, depending on availability and plot type.
Ash scattering
Ash scattering is permitted in designated areas within our cemeteries. This is arranged privately by the family, and no formal booking is required. To help us maintain accurate cemetery records, please email interments@ncc.govt.nz with the following information:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date of birth or age
- Date of death
- Date the ashes were scattered
- Location of scattering
Once we receive this information, our team will review and approve the request. After approval, you may proceed with the scattering at your chosen time. The details you provide will be added to our public cemetery records to support future family research and record-keeping.
Booking an Interment
Burial Bookings
Funeral directors manage all aspects of burial bookings, including:
- Selecting or confirming the plot
- Coordinating paperwork and the death certificate
- Liaising with council for the interment date and time. They will keep you informed throughout the process.
Ash interment bookings
If you are arranging the ash interment yourself:
- Before arranging an interment, please make sure you either hold the exclusive right of burial for the plot or have permission from the plot owner. You can find more information about purchasing a plot here.
- Complete the application for interment form.
- Provide a copy of the death certificate or medical certificate of cause of death.
- Submit the fully completed application form, including the date, time, and urn measurements. We are unable to accept incomplete applications.
Email the application to interments@ncc.govt.nz or hand in at our Customer Service Centre, Nelson City Council, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson.
We will check availability for your preferred date and time. If there are any issues, we will contact you; otherwise, you will receive a written confirmation once the booking is secured.
Interment Hours
Standard hours are:
Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 3:30pm (excluding public holidays)
Interments outside these hours will incur additional charges.
Burials are not available on Sundays. Ash interments may still be arranged.
On the Day of the Interment
Before you arrive
Our sexton will prepare the grave or ash plot.
During the interment
- You may hold your ceremony or gathering in the way that best suits your family.
- A trowel is left at the plot and you may choose to backfill the grave yourself, or leave it uncovered.
After the interment
The sexton will finalise the site, and the required documentation is returned to Council for processing.
Fees and invoicing
- Fees are invoiced after the interment.
- Charges are based on the fees and charges applicable on the date of the interment.
- Fees are reviewed annually on the 1st of July.
Need Help?
We understand this process may be unfamiliar. If you have questions or need guidance, please contact our cemeteries team on (03) 546 0200 or interments@ncc.govt.nz.
