Waterlogged cemetery in Uawa affects burials and surrounding graves

A pond has formed around a grave at the cemetery in Ūawa Tolaga Bay. Burials remain on hold, with the council saying groundwater levels need to drop. Picture by Matthew Rosenberg/LDR.

High groundwater levels across Tairāwhiti continue to suspend burials, as a large pond forms next to graves at one East Coast site.

At Ūawa/Tolaga Bay, the water level is so high at the sodden local cemetery, water surrounds a grave in one corner area.

In a paddock adjacent to the main section of the cemetery, a lake has formed just metres from the fenceline.

Gisborne District Council liveable communities director Michele Frey said ponding was now common at burial sites across the district, made worse by frequent heavy rain north of Tolaga Bay.

“This is the longest we’ve ever been in this situation due to the amount of rain we’ve had, and we’re just very grateful for the understanding of our community,” Frey said.

“Unfortunately, there have been disruptions to burials right across our district since Cyclone Gabrielle.

“As a Council, we work closely with whānau and funeral directors to support families who are not able to have a burial for their loved ones.”

Burials were considered on a plot-by-plot basis at Ūawa Cemetery and would go ahead if there was sufficient ground cover, she said.

Gisborne’s main cemetery, Taruheru, remains on a suspension due to a high water table and has been closed for burials intermittently since before Cyclone Gabrielle.

It was unlikely the council would be able to offer a regular burial service until rainfall levels decreased and the groundwater level dropped, Frey said.

In the meantime, the council was accommodating ash interments, and was considering long-term options to future-proof the service.