Council sympathetic to families' ashes requests

Rotorua District Council Parks and Recreation manager Garry Page said the council asks people to make contact with them before scattering ashes on any public places. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua's council has no plans to charge or to stop people scattering ashes in public places, but would like them to ask before they do so.

The Auckland Council has come under fire for its plans to make grieving families apply for permission to scatter their loved ones' ashes in public places - including beaches and reserves - unless they have written approval.

Rotorua District Council Parks and Recreation manager Garry Page said the council asks people to make contact with them before scattering ashes on any public places the council is responsible for.

"The council considers each request on a case-by-case basis taking into account location and cultural matters," he said.

People wanting to scatter ashes on Rotorua's lakes should make contact with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council or Te Arawa Lakes Trust.