Wellington exploring viable options as cemetery space declines

A Wellington councillor says dealing with the city's cemeteries is now an urgent matter. The City Council operates two cemeteries in the city - but one, Karori, is essentially operating at full capacity, while the other, Mākara, is anticipated to be full by 2038. Mākara is also the site of around fifteen denominations, all of whom have their own section - but some of them could run out of space soon. The Pacific Islands section for example has just 50 plots left, while the increasing popularity of natural burials is putting a strain on the land available for them. Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons told reporter Harry Lock a review is needed into how to deal with existing cemeteries, and to explore viable alternatives.