Burials resume at some blocks of Taruheru

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Burials have been back on in recent weeks in sections of the Taruheru Cemetery and the council hopes to soon be able to resume burials in other parts of the cemetery.

High groundwater levels have disrupted interments at Taruheru since Cyclone Gabrielle, and also in some rural cemeteries around the region.

Liveable Spaces manager De-Arne Sutherland said burials have been able to proceed in a new block area at Taruheru Cemetery where groundwater was at an adequate level.

“Several interments have been undertaken in recent weeks, including ash.

“However at the established blocks within Taruheru Cemetery groundwater is still a little high,” she said.

“We’re close to meeting required levels, and if this dry period continues we’ll be able to undertake burials in our established blocks soon.

“Rain is forecast in the next few days which will have an impact on groundwater levels.”