Headstones and plaques
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for my headstone or plaque?
Anyone who wants to repair, remove, reinstate or install a headstone or plaque within cemeteries administered by Waipā District Council must first apply for a permit. Your funeral director or stonemason can apply on your behalf. Please note: RSA cemeteries don’t require a permit.
Who maintains headstones?
The ongoing maintenance, upkeep and repair of the memorial or headstone is the responsibility of a relative or designated representative.
Can we install a headstone ourselves?
Headstones and plaques must be installed by an accredited member of the Master Monumental Association. Members of the public can apply for work to be performed in a cemetery on your behalf by an accredited member.
Apply online: Permit to install or work on a headstone/plaque.
Council will approve the headstone after installation – you must provide a photo of the finished work within ten days of installation to info@waipadc.govt.nz
What can be done about graffiti or damage?
If a headstone is damaged it is the family’s responsibility to have it fixed, and if damage is dangerous for the public, it must be fixed immediately. It is the family's responsibility to remove any graffiti from headstones, however we will assist with this.
Am I allowed to put in flower holder vases?
Only in the holes provided. No glass jars please.
Does the council provide white crosses?
They can be obtained through your funeral director, and are only permitted until the installation of a headstone or plaque.
I’ve never had to apply for a permit in the past, why do I need to now?
A new bylaw came into effect on 1 November 2018 and added new permit requirements to help better manage our cemeteries. This is to make sure that headstones and plaques are appropriate and meet our standards and guidelines.
Existing headstones and plaques are exempt, the new rules only apply to headstones and plaques installed from 1 November 2018.
When will I hear back about my application?
You must apply at least ten working days before the work starts.
What counts as inappropriate headstone/plaque content?
Anything that is obscene, offensive, or likely to cause distress. This may include foul or explicit language, hate speech, gang insignia, inappropriate or explicit images, or images associated with violence or violent groups. This is at the discretion of the Manager – Community Facilities.
Can I have one headstone for two sites?
Yes, single-depth sites like at Pukerimu Cemetery and Leamington Cemetery can cater for this. Double-depth grave sites are more difficult to access and would be at the discretion of Council.
What if removal of the existing headstone is done one day, and installation is done on another?
You will need to submit two different applications, one for each day of work.
What happens to flowers, wreaths and adornments?
Memorials including headstones, monuments and memorabilia such as flowers and trinkets are welcome in Waipā cemeteries.
After the burial, the grave is levelled and turf replaced straight away to keep the cemetery tidy and help with maintenance. Flowers and wreaths that are on the casket at the time of burial will be laid on top of a grave after it is backfilled. These will remain in place for up to 28 days and then they will be removed and disposed of by Council so that maintenance can be done.
Any objects or flowers placed at the grave site after the 28 day period must be kept within the concrete berm at the head of the grave.