Cemeteries
Returned Services Association (RSA) Section
Please visit the Veterans' Affairs New Zealand website to view information on burials and interments in our RSA section.
The only form of monument in the RSA section is a bronze plaque. Plaques are provided by the Veterans' Affairs New Zealand.
Orders can be placed through a funeral homes, RSA or direct to the Veterans' Affairs New Zealand.
Pre-purchase of plots
Up to four burial plots or up to two cremation plots may be pre-purchased. For purchase of more than the number stated, prior consent must be obtained from Taupō District Council.
To apply to reserve and purchase a plot, complete our online application.
Application to reserve and purchase a plot
Headstones and monuments
A permit is required from Taupō District Council prior to the erection of any monument, memorial, foundation, headstone, gravestone or any other structure. The application form is available at the Council office that manages the cemetery.
The application for the permit must include a plan of the proposed structure including the dimensions, materials or design, inscriptions or adornments proposed. Council may then grant or refuse permission to erect the structure.
In the areas set aside for cremated remains, the only types of memorial material permitted are:
- plaques
- floral tributes (except immediately following burial) are restricted to containers that can be housed within the concrete berm or on the memorial.
Maximum dimensions for headstones and plaques
Lawn Berms
950mm(h) x 450mm(d) x 1065mm(w)
In Turangi & Mangakino, a larger headstone may be approved provided it is in keeping with the character of the cemetery, poses no safety risk and does not extend into the space of another lot.
Opepe Cremation Berm
600mm(h) x 350mm(d) x 560mm(w)
Garden of Rest/Pihanga Cremation Berm
150mm(h) x 16mm(d) x 230mm(w)
In the Garden of Rest area, the plaques that will be allowed are black granite only.
To apply to erect a headstone or plaque on an occupied plot, complete our online application.
Application to erect headstone or plaque
Wreaths, memorabilia and flower receptacles
Floral tributes and wreaths can be placed on the grave for up to three calendar months after burial, after which they will be removed for leveling the grave.
Examples of memorabilia which are not acceptable for display on graves are: plastic or glass bottles, articles of food, clothing and objects of financial value (this is not an exclusive list).
Council retains the right to remove any memorabilia or other tribute that it deems to be unacceptable and/or offensive. Removal of unacceptable items will be carried out in consultation with the family/whanau of the deceased.
Disinterment
It is illegal to remove any body (or the remains of any body) buried in any burial ground without a disinterment licence from Toi Te Ora Public Health.
More information
Toi Te Ora Public Health - Burials, cremation & disinterment
Read the guidelines and apply for a disinterment licence (WORD, 868KB)