Burial Services

Nelson Cemeteries

The Nelson City Council operates four cemeteries, maintains a park-like setting in four historic graveyards which are now closed and runs the crematorium at the Wakapuaka Cemetery.

One of the choices families and friends need to consider is the sort of memorial they would like for the person who has died. This should be taken into account when deciding which cemetery to use.

Cemetery database

For the keen genealogists there is a search engine which enables you to track deaths and interments as recorded in the Council database. There are over 40,000 plots detailed.

Who to contact

For information about burial or cremation services, contact your local funeral director. They also keep copies of the Council's bylaws, and can explain them to you. For all information about cemeteries, location of graves and Council bylaws and regulations relating to the operation of the cemeteries and crematorium, contact customer services on +64 3 546 0234.

Pre-purchase cemetery plots

Cemetery plots can be pre-purchased, rather than leaving the task for relatives or friends. Any Funeral Director can organise it for you, or you can contact the Sexton, Alistair Papps, directly on +64 3 547 7579.

Processes and procedures

Headstones or memorials, burial or ash plots, these are some of the many considerations when planning a burial. For information how to go about arranging a burial, fees and charges.

Periodic lawn mowing

Occasionally Nelson City Council will post a public notice regarding the removal of flowers from cemeteries for which lawn mowing services will be performed. You may remove flowers yourself or Council staff will be happy to remove them on a specified date just prior to the mowing. Thank you.

Bloodline — Genealogy Online

Nelson is a city rich in history and with the rise in interest in Family History many people are looking for information on where they have come from. Bloodline Genealogy Online is useful to those who are starting out, or who are already engrossed in genealogy.

Early Settlers online records

Search the Nelson City Council Early Settlers database to find information about your ancestors who made the long voyage from Europe to settle in the Nelson Region.