Auckland's ashes saga nears conclusion

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Aucklanders will be able to scatter loved ones' ashes in public places without permission from the Council.

A hearings panel has finalised its recommendations on a region-wide bylaw and code of practice for cemeteries and crematoria.

There was a proposal to require people to get permission to scatter ashes at the likes of parks and beaches, and require them to get written permission.

Chair of the bylaws hearing panel Calum Penrose says in reality, that was never going to happen.

He says they did have some concerns about waterways, culturally sensitive areas, sports fields and parts of Auckland Domain.

The result is signs will be put up in sensitive areas and the Council will expect common sense to prevail.

Among the other recommendations agreed on by the hearing panel:

• Giving cemetery managers discretion on how many people can witness the cremation, balanced with meeting the wishes of family and friends and maintaining a safe environment

• Continuing to support family and friends' desire to be able to fill their loved ones' grave, but ask that they give cemetery staff notice so that provision can be made, including having equipment available

• That floral tributes and adornments on graves will be moved to the concrete beam to allow grave maintenance to be carried out.

Mr Penrose says the Council recognises that the end of life care of a loved one is a very personal for people, both spiritually and culturally.

"The recommendations we have made will ensure that our staff can continue to respond to the needs of Auckland's diverse communities with respect," he says.

Mr Penrose says the whole process has been about streamlining all the former councils' rules into one and cutting the red tape.

The panel's recommendations will be considered by the Governing Body later this month. The new bylaw and code of practice will come in to effect from 1 November 2014.