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Waikumete CemeteryConservationand ReserveManagement Plan

Adopted March 2001by theWorks and Services Committee

Waikumete Cemetery Conservation and Reserve Management Plan, May 2003. 3

C O N T E N T S

PART ONE: BACKGROUND 7

Executive Summary 7

Commission 8

Brief 11

Location 11

Status of the Place 11

Acknowledgements 13

PART TWO: HISTORY 15

History of Waikumete Cemetery 15

History of Waikumete Cemetery and its Development 15

Maori History 15

Selection and Development of Cemetery Site 15

Management by Auckland City Council 17

Management by Waitakere City Council 20

Sextons and Cemetery Managers 20

Key Works Undertaken During Tenure 20

History of Buildings within the Cemetery 21

Waikumete Cemetery Mortuary Chapel

(Faith in the Oaks) 1886 21

The Sextons� Houses 23

The Foreman�s House (Also known as the Beach Road

Cottage and as the Glenview Road Cottage) 24

Crematoria and Chapels 25

Jewish Prayer Houses 27

Service Buildings 28

Mausoleums 30

Contribution of the Buildings to the Cemetery 30

Landscape History Summary 30

Summary 36

Monuments and Graves 38

Grave Design and Symbolism 38

Memorial Design Origins 39

Grave Types Represented in the Cemetery 39

Altars and Ledgers (Headstone) 39

Chest Tombs 40

Bedheads and Armchairs 40

Crosses 40

Mausoleums 41

Vaults 41

Memorial Types Represented in the Cemetery 42

Individual Grave Memorials 42

Commemorative Memorials 43

Archaeological Features 43

Feature 45

Representative Selection of Notable Graves 45

Criminals 46

Unusual 46

Use of Waikumete Cemetery for Burials and Cremations 46

Natural History 47

Flora Values 47

Native Flora 48

Manuka Gumland Scrub 50

Mamaku Treefernland 53

Conifer Forest 53

Wetlands 53

Burial Areas 53

Exotic Flora 53

Environmentally Damaging Plants 54

Wildflower Sanctuary 55

Heritage Trees and Commemorative Plantings 56

Fauna Values 57

Insect Fauna 57

Soil Fauna 57

Herpetofauna 57

Freshwater Fish 58

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates 59

Bird Life 60

Animal Pests 60

PART THREE: CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE 61

Cultural Heritage Assessment 61

General Approach 61

Method of Assessment 61

Assessment of Cultural Heritage Values 61

Statement of Cultural Heritage Significance 62

Historical / Associational Significance 62

Design / Technical 62

Archaeological 62

Spiritual / Cultural 62

Aesthetic 63

Community and Genealogical 63

Educational 63

Landscape and Setting 64

Flora and Fauna 64

Culture Heritage 64

Waikumete Cemetery Conservation and Reserve Management Plan, May 2003.4

PART FOUR: LANDSCAPE HERITAGESIGNIFICANCE 67

Landscape Heritage Assessment 67

Landscape Evaluation 67

Site Analysis 67

Character Areas 67

Historical Cemetery Areas 70

Contemporary Cemetery Areas 70

Views 70

Natural Landscape Patterns 70

Cultural Landscape Patterns 72

Symbolic and Traditional Vegetation 72

Other Historical Planting Features 73

Processes of Change in the Landscape 74

Key Landscape Elements 75

Landscape Heritage Significance of Different Parts

of the Cemetery 75

PART FIVE: NATURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE 77

Assessment of Natural Heritage Values 77

Statement of Natural Heritage Significance 77

Significance Rating of Natural Areas 79

PART SIX: DEVELOPMENT OFCONSERVATION POLICY 83

External Influences 83

Legislative Environment 83

Burial and Cremation Act 1964 83

Resource Management Act 1991 84

Historic Places Act 1993 84

Regulatory Environment 85

Waitakere City Proposed District Plan 85

Waitakere City Bylaws 87

Non Statutory Documents and Requirements 88

Requirements of Tangata Whenua 88

ICOMOS New Zealand Charter 88

Waitakere City Parks Strategy 88

Requirements of Council and Business Unit 88

Management Structure 88

Relationships with the Funeral Industry 89

Grave Decoration 90

Market and Market Share 90

Constraints on Investigation and Modification 90

Burials and Cremations 90

Current Situation 90

Current Capacity 91

Future Expansion of the Cemetery 91

Invasive Plants 92

Restoration and Enhancement Planting 92

Fire 93

Drainage and Water Reticulation 93

Vandalism 94

Ownership of Monuments 94

Visitor Use 94

Management 94

Access 95

Constraints Arising from Cultural, Landscape and

Natural Heritage Significance 96

Constraints Arising from Cultural Heritage

Significance 96

Constraints Arising from Landscape Heritage

Significance 96

Constraints Arising from Natural Heritage Significance 96

Approach to Conservation Policy 97

PART SEVEN: CONSERVATION POLICIES 99

General Statement of Conservation Principles 99

Objectives 99

Historical and Cultural Features 99

Conservation Experience and Practice 99

Management and Maintenance of the Cemetery 100

Conservation of Significant Cemetery Features 101

Ornaments, Graves and Monuments 102

Maintenance of Cemetery Records and Archives 103

Conservation of Historic Landscape Features 104

Conservation Processes 104

Removal of Historic Trees and Planting 104

Documentation of Landscape Changes 104

Maintenance of Historic Trees and Planting 105

Restoration / Reconstruction of

Historic Trees and Planting 105

New Landscape Features and Plantings 106

Removal of Self-Seeded Plants 106

Removal of Invasive Weeds 106

Retention and Restoration of Native

Vegetation Pattern 106

Restoration / Reconstruction of Wildflower Areas 106

Cemetery Pattern 107

Enhancement of Contemporary Grave Sites 107


Retention and Enhancement of Views 107

Buildings 107

Conservation of Natural Heritage Features 108

Bush Remnants 108

Aquatic Environment 109

Burial Areas 109

Invasive Exotic Weeds 109

Fauna 110

PART EIGHT: MANAGEMENT PLAN POLICIES 111

Objectives 111

Management of the Cemetery Landscape 111

Retention and Enhancement of Landscape

Character 111

Gardens 112

Roading and Path Network 112

Drainage and Water Reticulation 113

Interpretation, Information and Signage 113

General Information 113

Onsite Interpretation and Signage 114

Use and Public Involvement 114

Types of Use 114

Relationship with Community Interest Groups 115

Industry and Commercial Relationships 115

Operational Management 115

New Works 115

Vandalism 116

Rubbish Collection and Disposal 116

Burials and Cremations 116

Lawn Cemetery 117

Statutory and Regulatory Management 117

PART NINE: APPENDICES 119

1. Chronological summary of significant events 119

2. Common symbols found on memorials within

Waikumete 126

3. Native plants in Waikumete 130

4. Weed species present in Waikumete 133

5. Priority weeds for control in older parts of

the Cemetery 134

6. Species suitable for amenity and landscape

planting 135

7. Wildflowers in Waikumete 137

8. Eucalypt species recorded in Waikumete Cemetery 139

9. Fauna in Waikumete 140

10. Waitakere City Council Bylaw 18 146

11. Waikumete Cemetery Advisory Group 153

12. References and Bibliography 154

13. Listings 156

14. ICOMOS NZ Charter 157

15. Maps 161

16. Rare species list 163


Executive SummaryBetween 1876 and 1881 a total of 288 acres of vacant

land close to the Whau River was reserved by the Crown as a

site for a public cemetery. In 1886 this piece of land became

the public cemetery known as �Waikomiti�. The new Cemetery

was the result of a very pressing need to replace the

Symonds Street Cemetery, which was considered too close to

town and almost full after 36 years of interments. Waikomiti

Cemetery was officially opened in 1886.

Waikumete Cemetery and Crematorium now encom-

passes an area of 107.7222 hectares. Since the closure of

Symonds Street Cemetery in 1908 it has served as the main

cemetery for the Auckland Region. Waikumete continues to

operate as a cemetery and is the second largest cemetery in

the Southern Hemisphere, being the final resting-place of over

70,000 people1.

Waikumete has considerable cultural heritage signifi-

cance. The Cemetery contains the graves of many people

who played a significant role, either locally or nationally. The

surviving headstones, with their range of styles and inscrip-

tions, are an invaluable source of genealogical and social

history. In particular, the Cemetery is a tribute to the brick and

pottery industry that thrived around New Lynn and the banks

of the Whau River from the late 1860�s until early this century.

In addition, the Cemetery provides for a wide range of

denominational and cultural groups. It contains many

memorials to significant world events and national tragedies.

It is one of only two cemeteries in the northern half of the

North Island where space is currently allocated to the Muslim

community. It contains a significant number of Mausoleums.

In recognition of the need to provide for traditional Maori

burials, a Urupa was established in 1996.

The Cemetery, together with its wider environs of bush,

valleys and streams, represents the largest public Open

Space within the urban part of Waitakere City. It is located in a

part of the City that has seen significant deterioration of its

natural landscape through the development of residential and

commercial areas, which surround the Cemetery on all four

sides.

Waikumete Cemetery is highly ecologically significant as it

contains the largest contiguous area of gumland vegetation

remaining in the portion of Waitakere City2 that falls within the

Tamaki Ecological District3. It contains a large collection of

uncommon and threatened gumland native plants, such as

orchids and grasses, and is a critical habitat for these species.

It is also a significant habitat for native fish species which

inhabit streams within and adjacent to the Cemetery.

Waikumete also contains a number of heritage trees and

plantings, both exotic and native, planted in commemoration

and as part of the early development of shelterbelts and

amenity plantings throughout the Cemetery.

Over the years, large numbers of garden plants have been

planted on and around the graves, many of which are now

growing wild. A particular feature is the many species of

African and Mediterranean species that thrive in the Cem-

etery�s poor clay soils4. In spring and early summer the

blossoming of these wildflowers is considered to be the finest

display found anywhere in New Zealand. A one-hectare

Wildflower Sanctuary (refer Map 4, Appendix 15) has been

created in the south eastern corner of the Cemetery and is

actively maintained by the Friends of Waikumete, a local

volunteer organisation dedicated to maintaining the cultural

and heritage values of the Cemetery.

P A R T O N E :

B A C K G R O U N D

1 Western Leader Newspaper, 19 November 1998.2 Whaley et al, 1999, p.6.3 One of 8 districts within the Auckland Ecological Region.4 Cameron et al, 1997, p.183.


Established in 1995, the Friends of Waikumete are an

incorporated society. They continue to campaign for a planned

programme of repair and maintenance and are actively

researching the history of the site and many of its inhabitants.

The current practice of burials in the Cemetery favours

burial in the lawn cemetery format. This allows graves to be

marked by flat memorials laid out in lawns and berms.

Provision is also made in berm areas for upright memorials.

These newer areas of the Cemetery are laid out with mainte-

nance in mind � neat grassed areas where plaques are

preferred over headstones and a predominance of small

cremation plots over burials5.

The integrated management of all these values presents a

significant management challenge. Until now, Waikumete

Cemetery has never had a management plan. The manage-

ment of the Cemetery has tended to concentrate on the day-

to-day operation of running the Cemetery as a going concern.

The older �unused� areas of the Cemetery have had only

minimal maintenance, concentrated around the mowing of

accessways and limited weed control. As a result, many

graves and monuments are overgrown and/or are in an

advanced state of deterioration. Invasive weeds such as bulbil

watsonia, erica, pampas and woody varieties such as phoenix

palms and wattle are the major cause of the deterioration of

these features.

The development of a conservation and reserve manage-

ment plan was considered to be the best mechanism to

address all of the values and uses of the Cemetery. The

�Waikumete Cemetery Conservation and Reserve Manage-

ment Plan� will act as the primary document providing

management direction. A Landscape and Enhancement Plan

will then be developed. This will act as the vehicle for the

operational implementation of the policies and principles in the

Conservation and Reserve Management Plan.

Commission

Waitakere City Council commissioned the development of

this Conservation and Reserve Management Plan in 1998 in

recognition of the Cemetery�s significant cultural and natural

heritage values. Prior to the commencement of the develop-

ment of the Plan, a Scoping Report had been prepared by

Melean Absolum Ltd in October 1997. This provided a

framework for the development of the Plan.

The Plan was written in-house by Waitakere City Council

staff, with the assistance of staff from the Project Management

Business Unit. Background work for the Plan and some

sections of work such as much of the history chapter, the

cultural heritage assessment, the assessment of natural

heritage values, and the assessment of landscape signifi-

cance, were undertaken by Consultants on behalf of Council.

In addition, a considerable body of historical information was

provided by various members of the Friends of Waikumete.

Waitakere City Council has copyright on the entire Con-

servation and Reserve Management Plan. The overall Plan editor

was Lois Easton, Service Manager: Landscape Development at

Waitakere City Council. Final editing, collation and co-ordination

was carried out by Renee Lambert of Waitakere City Council.

Authorship of each chapter of the Plan is as follows:

5 Clough and Associates, 1999, p.1.

Auckland City Public Library A5158: Early view of cemetery

PA RT ON E : BAC KG RO U N D


Part Author TitlePart One: Background Jo Ritchie Project Management, Waitakere City Council

Lois Easton Service Manager Landscape Development,Waitakere City Council

Part Two: History Jo Ritchie Project Management, Waitakere City CouncilContributions to parts of thissection from:·

Renee Lambert (Landscape History) Reserve Management Planner, Waitakere City Council

Bruce Petrie, John Salmond Salmond Architects(Monuments and Graves sections)

Rod Clough (Archaeological Features) Clough Associates Limited

Audrey Lange (Notable Graves)

Ben Copedo (The Sexton's Houses)

Part Three: Cultural Jo Ritchie Project Management, Waitakere City CouncilHeritage Significance Contributions to this section from:

Bruce Petrie, John Salmond Salmond Architects

Lois Easton (Significance of Service Manager: Landscape Development,different parts of the Cemetery) Waitakere City Council

Part Four: Landscape Renee Lambert Reserve Management Planner, Waitakere City CouncilHeritage Significance

Part Five: Natural Jo Ritchie Project Management, Waitakere City CouncilHeritage Significance Contributions to this section from:

Kathryn Whaley (Statement of Landcare ResearchNatural Heritage Significance)

Part Six: Development Jo Ritchie Project Management, Waitakere City Councilof Conservation Policy Contributions to this section from:

Renee Lambert (Constraints of Reserve Management Planner, Waitakere City CouncilLandscape Significance)

Lois Easton (Constraints of Cultural Service Manager: Landscape Development,and Natural Heritage Significance) Waitakere City Council

Part Seven: Jo Ritchie Project Management, Waitakere City CouncilConservation Policies Contributions to this section from:

Bruce Petrie, John Salmond Salmond Architects(Built and Archaeological HeritagePolicy)

Renee Lambert (Landscape Policy) Reserve Management Planner, Waitakere City Council

Part Eight: Management Jo Ritchie Project Management, Waitakere City CouncilPolicies Contributions to this section from:

Renee Lambert (Landscape Policy) Reserve Management Planner, Waitakere City Council

Appendices Jo Ritchie Project Management, Waitakere City CouncilContributions to this section from:

Bruce Petrie, John Salmond Salmond Architects(Symbolism on Memorials)

Renee Lambert (Suitable Species Reserve Management Planner, Waitakere City Councilfor Planting)

Friends of Waikumete (Wildflowers) Friends of Waikumete

Mike Wilcox (Eucalypts)

Harley Dibble (Chronological Summary Archivist, Waitakere City Councilof Significant Events)

Table One: Contributors to Waikumete Cemetery Conservation Plan

PA RT ON E : BA C KG RO U N D



Location of Waikumete Cemetery - West Auckland


The Plan identifies all the significant features of the

Cemetery and establishes guidelines for their conservation,

maintenance and management in order to effect more

sustainable management of the area and preserve its

character in perpetuity. It recognises the need to plan

practically and within the confines of limited resources. To this

end it also recognises the valuable role that volunteer and

community groups play in providing additional resources to

upkeep and maintain the Cemetery and its environs.

The Plan also recognises that the Cemetery operates as a

Council-owned business unit and incorporates the manage-

ment of that business. This includes the operation of the

Crematorium and Chapels as well as the continuing use of

areas of the Cemetery for burials and cremations.

The Plan sets out appropriate policies to enable those

elements of significance to be retained in the Cemetery�s

future use and development.

Brief

The Conservation Plan has been developed by Waitakere

City Council using standard practices for the development of

conservation plans adopted by the New Zealand Historic

Places Trust. This has included an extensive review of

available literature on both the development of plans of this

nature, the management of historic resources, and the

management of cemeteries.

Conservation policies and management practices

identified in the Plan are compatible with the ICOMOS New

Zealand Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural

Heritage Value. Accordingly, the Plan has been guided by the

principles in:

� The Conservation Plan: A Guide to the Preparation of

Conservation Plans for Places of European Cultural

Significance, J.S. Kerr for National Trust of Australia,

1996.

� Guidelines for Preparing Conservation Plans, NZ Historic

Places Trust, 1994.

Location

Waikumete Cemetery is located in the Glen Eden area of

Waitakere City and is situated along Great North Road where

it intersects with Glenview Road (eastern boundary) and

Awaroa Road (western boundary). Waikumete Road forms the

southern boundary and Great North Road, on the northern

side of the Cemetery, is the main access point in and out

(refer Map 1).

A grid network of internal roads provides access to the

various sections of the Cemetery. The Cemetery is laid out on

sloping, undulating land between several gullies that bisect the

site. The surrounding land is predominantly residential and

light commercial, with some industrial businesses located at

the south-western end along West Coast Road.

Status of the PlaceStatus under the Waitakere City Proposed District Plan

The whole area of the Cemetery is listed in the 1995

Waitakere City Proposed District Plan as a Category 1

Heritage Item. The significance of the Cemetery is attributed

to its regional, cultural, historic, community, visual, pattern,

and sense of place values6.

This identification of the entire Cemetery as a Category I

Heritage Item was intended to signal the historic nature of the

site, in anticipation that further refinement of the identification

would be enabled through a Conservation Plan process. It has

been recognised through the submissions process that it may

be more appropriate for only the historic part of the Cemetery

(approximately that area developed prior to 1950) to be

identified as a Heritage Item and a Variation to the District

Plan is proposed. Such a Variation would also identify

additional specific heritage items, particularly trees, which are

not currently listed in the District Plan but have been identified

in the cultural heritage, landscape and arboricultural research

as being of specific heritage significance. Examples of this are

the gum trees along the Glenview Road boundary and the site

of the old Crematorium.

The Plan also lists a number of buildings and trees

associated with the Cemetery, as follows:

6 WCC (Waitakere City Council) District Plan Heritage Appendix 1995, p.23.



Item Description Current District Legal DescriptionPlan HeritageCategory

Faith in the Oaks Finely detailed small masonry Chapel building I Pt Allot 248 DP 11643Chapel with plaster walls and pitched slate roof, built

in 1886. Significance attributed to historic, Cat. 2architectural, community, visual, and sense of HPT7

place values. Listing

Mausoleums Masonry mausoleums, significance attributed I Pt Allot 248 DP 11643to historical values.

Sexton's House Triple gabled weatherboard bay villa, built II Pt Allot 248 Parish of1886. Significance attributed to architectural, Waikomitihistorical, visual, and sense of place values.

English Oak 3 x 60-100 year old trees sited by the Chapel Heritage Tree(Quercus robur) of Faith in the Oaks.

Norfolk Pine 60-100 year old tree located at South Corner Heritage Tree(Araucaria Ixia St and Old Chapel Way.heterophylla)

Sydney Blue Gum Probably actually a Eucalyptus pilularis - Blackbutt. Heritage Tree(Eucalyptus saligna) Planted around 1918. Part of a large group

of gums planted along the Glenview Roadboundary.

Entire Cemetery Significance attributed to its regional, cultural, I Pt Allot 248 DP 11643Area historic, community, visual, pattern and sense

of place values.

7 Historic Places Trust.

Table Two: Waitakere City District Plan Listed Heritage Items in Waikumete Cemetery

In the cases of the individually listed heritage items,

Resource Consents are required for any work on the buildings

or trees and also work within the dripline of any of the

heritage trees.

In addition to the Heritage classification of the Cemetery,

the entire Cemetery is identified as Open Space Environment

in the District Plan and a range of natural areas apply to the

different parts of the Cemetery. There is, however, an

overlying Designation on the Cemetery for Cemetery Pur-

poses. This means that while the importance of the area as

Open Space, and its heritage and natural values are recog-

nised, the primary purpose of Waikumete is as an operational

cemetery. Where work is undertaken to meet operational

requirements (e.g. grave digging, road resealing) no Re-

source Consent is currently required as the designation

overrides the Natural Area and Human Environment Rules.

The District Plan does, however, require that an Outline Plan

of Works be supplied to the District Plan Administration area

and recommends that Natural Area Rules and Heritage Rules

are adhered to in relation to sites with Designations.

Status under the Historic Places Act 1993

The Chapel of Faith in the Oaks is also listed as a

Category 2 Heritage Item under Section 22.3 (a)(ii) of the

Historic Places Act 1993 (reg. no. 2605). This means that the

New Zealand Historic Places Trust must be advised of all

proposed development and conservation measures for the

building.

Areas of the graves which were constructed prior to 1900

also fall under the status of an archaeological site in terms of

the Historic Places Act 1993. Archaeological sites cannot be

modified, damaged or destroyed without authority from the

New Zealand Historic Places Trust.



Status Under the Reserves Act

Waikumete Cemetery is a Local Purpose (Cemetery)

Reserve. This means that the Reserves Act 1977 applies to

the area. Section 23 (2)(a) states that where "scenic, historic,

archaeological, biological or natural features are present on

the reserve, these features shall be managed and protected to

the extent compatible with the principal or primary purpose of

the reserve." The underlying ownership of the land is the

Crown, with the land being vested in Trust with the Waitakere

City Council. This means that while Waitakere City Council is

responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of

the land, should any land be divested, or the reserve status

proposed to be changed, then this is subject to the approval of

the Minister of Conservation. In addition, the provisions of the

Reserves Act, in relation to for example consultation over the

Conservation and Reserve Management Plan, apply and

these have been followed in the preparation of this Plan.

Acknowledgements

Identification of the historic, landscape cultural and

ecological significance of the area has been undertaken by

heritage, landscape and ecological consultants who have also

provided advice and recommendations as to how to manage

these values in line with the principles of best practice.

Consultants involved with the preparation of material for

this Plan:

Cultural Heritage Assessment

Clough Associates Ltd, Salmond Architects

Ecological Assessment

Landcare Research NZ Ltd, Field Studies

Aquatic Habitat Survey

Mike McGlynn

Landscape History and Assessment

Boffa Miskell Ltd, Waitakere City Council

Rare and Uncommon Plant Survey

Natural Resource Assessors

Arboricultural Survey

Tree Care Services

In addition, the Council project team has sought and

obtained advice and comment throughout the development of

the Plan from a wide range of individuals and stakeholders

who have an interest in the Cemetery. Members of the

Waikumete Cemetery Conservation Plan Advisory Group who

contributed to the drafting of the Plan are listed in Appendix

Eleven. Particular input in the form of provision of historical

information came from Mary Gilligan, Audrey Lange, Colin

Bradshaw and other members of the Friends of Waikumete.



P A R T T W O :

H I S T O R Y

History of Waikumete Cemetery

History of Waikumete Cemetery andits Development

Maori History

The two iwi who have an historical association with the

area within which Waikumete Cemetery is sited are Te

Kawerau A Maki and Ngati Whatua. Neither Te Kawerau A

Maki nor Ngati Whatua identify Waikumete Cemetery as a key

heritage area to the iwi.

Prior to the purchase of the land for cemetery purposes,

there is little information on land use. The only feature

depicted on early plans is the route of an old dray road

running from the Glen Eden station up to the ridge (near the

current water reservoir). A branch also swung towards an early

settlement in Henderson Valley (J. Diamond, pers. Comm.).

Diamond also suggests that this may have followed the route

of an earlier Maori track through the area, as the ridgelines

were the logical route through an otherwise swampy terrain.

No archaeological sites have been recorded in the area.

Recorded Maori settlement sites in West Auckland tend to be

located in coastal areas. The lack of archival and archaeologi-

cal information indicates that the area was little used, other

than for transit by Maori or early European settlers prior to the

establishment of the Cemetery in 1886.

Selection and Development of Cemetery Site

Land was first reserved for a cemetery at Waikomiti in

1876 as a result of the need to find an alternative site for the

Symonds Street Cemetery. The rapid growth of Auckland City

and the enclosure of the Symonds Street Cemetery by

housing meant that there was no opportunity to extend the

Cemetery in its present location.

Between 1872 and 1881 the issue of finding a new

cemetery was regularly debated in both the Auckland City

Council and public arenas. A number of prerequisites were set

for the new location. These included the need to guard against

repetition of the problems encountered with Symonds Street

and to place the new cemetery at a considerable distance8

from the city so that it would have room to expand unimpeded

by urban growth. It also needed to ensure that great care be

taken to avoid any heavy burden of expense of burying the

dead as a result of locating the cemetery too far from the city,

where it may be largely inaccessible9. Roads and vehicular

access outside Auckland City were often reduced to muddy

mires in winter, with vehicles being the sole domain of the

wealthy. With this in mind, the city fathers deemed that the

new cemetery must be located close to a rail line so that the

train could take both mourners and caskets to the cemetery.

And so with all these factors in mind, the search for a new

site began in earnest. In November 1876, 80 acres of land in

Ellerslie was inspected. It was resolved that a public meeting

would be called to discuss the matter further. This meeting

resolved that a committee be formed to obtain all necessary

information for the inhabitants of Auckland to decide upon the

important question of a new location for a public cemetery. On

receiving this information the Mayor of Auckland would then

convene a public meeting and take whatever action was

deemed necessary10.

In October 1876 under the former Auckland Waste Lands

Act 1874, the Crown reserved Allotment 248, Parish of

8 Daily Southern Cross (DSC), 18 November 1876.9 DSC, 3 January 1872.10 DSC, 3 January 1872.


Waikomiti (approximately 100 acres) as a site for a public

cemetery. When the Auckland City Council Subcommittee

finally inspected the site in 1878, it received a favourable

report on its situation and suitability. Located about 9½ miles

from the city, the site was recorded as having clay soils and an

undulating surface. Its only limitation was that the railway had

yet to be completed, but plans were in place to run the line

right past the site and erect a local station. The area around

the proposed cemetery was in its initial stages of develop-

ment, as recorded in the Brett's Auckland Almanac:

"The Waikomiti district commences at the Whau

Bridge, seven miles from Auckland, and extends for a

distance of five miles along the line of the Great North

Road. The Whau creek, which fronts the district, is

navigable for vessels drawing eight feet of water, and

affords excellent means of communication with

Auckland for the industries and farms on its banks. A

conveyance leaves the Whau Bridge at 8am each

morning for town; fare 1 shilling.

The brick making industry has been established

on the creek and 120,000 bricks per week can be

produced. There are thirty occupied houses in the

district, widely scattered, and a population (according

to census) of 94 males and 53 female. Of the total

area of 7,000 acres of land, about 1,500 acres are

held as in actual occupation, and of this, 50 acres are

under crop with oats and potatoes, 150 acres laid

down with English grasses. Reserves of about 1,000

acres are held by the Government, and the balance of

the land in the district is unoccupied and in private

hands. There are about 2,000 acres of bush in which

men are engaged sawing timber, splitting firewood,

making posts and rails, etc.

The land is of average quality. Macadamised road

runs through a portion of it, and no long time will

elapse before the whole of the main line will be in the

same condition. A large portion of the land is level,

and being so near the city will, no doubt, ultimately be

occupied by farmers on areas of from 20 to 200 acres.

Abundance of timber for fuel and fencing can be

obtained from the ranges close by. A respected

resident summarises the present drawbacks to the

district as a want of plenty of cash and increased

population." 11

In 1881, an additional 188 acres was gazetted as

cemetery reserve12 at Waikomiti, making a total area of 288

acres available for the Cemetery. In 1883, the Auckland City

Council applied to the Government to have the proposed

Waikomiti Cemetery vested in the Council13 and was subse-

quently appointed trustees of approximately 188 acres along

the railway line14. Initial development was formally com-

menced in 1884 when the Auckland City Council requested

the Waitemata County Council to lay out suitable roads to

improve access to the Cemetery.

The railway was an important means of transporting

bodies to this western resting place15. The completion of the

railway line from Newmarket to Waikomiti in 188016 provided

easy access to the Cemetery. The Glen Eden Railway Station

played a significant role in the early history of the Cemetery,

allowing mourners and their dead to travel from town with

relative ease17.

Initially the railway line ran through the southern part of

the Cemetery. Mourners would travel in ordinary carriages on

the same train and a whole day would be spent travelling to

and from Waikomiti and burying a loved one. Often the Sexton

would arrive with a wheelbarrow and the coffin would then be

reverently pushed up the steep incline whereupon the burial

would take place18.

11 Brett's Auckland Almanac 1975-1880, p.93.12 NZ Gazette, 1881, p.115; 405. This area was increased by later additions to about 309 acres.13 Auckland City Council (ACC) Minutes, 29 August 1883.14 ACC Town Clerk's Report 1883, p.4.15 Harrison Grierson Consultants Ltd, 1998.16 NZ Herald, 30 March 1880.17 Clough and Associates Ltd, 1999.18 Harrison Grierson Consultants Ltd, 1998.

PA RT TW O: H I STO RY


Management by Auckland City Council

The establishment of the Cemetery was further formalised

in February 1886 when Auckland City Council published

cemetery bylaws in the New Zealand Herald19. Waikomiti

Cemetery was officially opened on 3 March 188620 and

replaced Symonds Street as Auckland's main public cemetery.

Initially an area of 53 acres bounded by the railway and

Waikumete station to the south and Glenview Road to the east

was opened up for burials. The first official burial recorded

was on 19 March 1886 when Florence Lena Bell21, aged 14

months, was interred. By the end of the first year of its

operation, Waikomiti, as it was then known, had recorded 299

burials22.

Site plan, Auckland City Engineer�s Office, 23 February 1914, showing areas incorporated as part of Waikumete Cemetery, Auckland City Council Archives.

In 1906 and 1915 the Cemetery reserve was vested by

the Crown in the Auckland City Council in trust as a public

cemetery pursuant to the former Public Reserves Act 1881

and the Public Reserves and Domains Act 1908. The Council

applied for titles to be issued containing the Cemetery. The

first three were issued in 1917, each of them marked up to

show that the Council held the land "in trust for the purposes

of a public cemetery"23. At this stage the Cemetery comprised

303 acres.

Small areas of land were taken out of the Cemetery

between 1953 and 1979, with the consent of the Department

of Lands, for purposes such as road widening, the building of

19 NZ Herald, 22 February 1886.20 Auckland Weekly News, 27 February 1886.21 WCC Archive, Accn. 2401A/95 No.1.22 ACC Minutes, 3 February 1887.23 Land Information NZ Title Refs: Vol. 264, Folio 220; V265, F118; and V271, F213.




Waikumete Cemetery original layout plan



Plan showing DP2283 Land Information NZ Cemetery boundaries and Sunhill Development


a reservoir and fire station, and the creation of small recrea-

tion reserves such as Singer Park and Awaroa Park. In 1979

the Cemetery was purported to be classified under the

Reserves Act 1977 as a local purpose (site for a cemetery)

reserve24.

Management by Waitakere City Council

Auckland City retained vested control as trustees of the

Cemetery until 1989, when it was first transferred to the

former Waitemata City Council on 31 March 198925. The final

transfer occurred after completion of the countrywide local

body reorganisation in 198926, when the Cemetery was

transferred to the Waitakere City Council.

In 1995 the Council transferred that part of the Cemetery

forming the now completed Sunhill Park subdivision to

Waitakere Properties Limited (a Local Authority Trading

Enterprise), which surveyed and sold 53 residential sections

on the open market. Income from this sale was deposited into

the Waikumete Cemetery Memorial Fund to be used for the

maintenance and upgrading of the remainder of the area that

comprised the Cemetery.

Waikumete Cemetery now covers an area of 107.7

hectares (approximately 266 acres). It is the largest cemetery

and park of its type in Auckland, being three and a half times

the size of the next largest, the Snapper Rock Cemetery on

the North Shore.

Sextons and Cemetery Managers27

The Sexton and Assistant Sextons were appointed by the

Council. There were seven sextons of Waikumete Cemetery

from the opening of the Cemetery in 1886 until the last official

sexton, Tom Brown, retired in 1986. The Sexton's duties were

varied, including supervision of planting, digging graves, and

in the early days of the Cemetery one of the duties was to

receive the bodies at the station and transport them by cart or

wheelbarrow to the mortuary Chapel for a funeral service or to

the grave site. The Sexton and Assistant Sexton also cleared

land for future burial grounds and organised tree planting,

fencing and the forming of the paths and roads.

The first Cemetery Manager was appointed in 1985. It is

the Cemetery Manager who co-ordinates and manages the

Cemetery operations, including the development of new burial

areas, the management of maintenance contracts, and the

management of the Cemetery business. Cemetery staff under-

take the burials and operation of the Cemetery, while mainte-

nance and major physical works are undertaken by contractors.

24 NZ Gazette, 18 October 1979, p.3024.25 Transfer between the Auckland and the former Waitemata City Council was formalised by way of a gazette notice issued pursuant to sections 20

and 50 of the Public Works Act 1981, by the former Department of Lands.26 Transfer of control between the Auckland and the former Waitemata City Council was formalised by way of a gazette notice issued pursuant to

sections 20 and 50 of the Public Works Act 1951, by the former Department of Lands.27 Much of the information contained in this section was provided by Mary Gilligan.

Sextons Key Works Undertaken During Tenure

W.E. Walker (1886 - 1901) Establishment of the Cemetery.

Herman Erickson (1901 - 1921) Daffodil Drive formed, other roads repaired, large areas of footpaths reformed, tarred andsanded. Flowering bulbs planted in main gully, shrubs planted in nursery rows.Levelling, planting and sowing of the area near Station Road. Addition of a toilet. Relocationof Beach Road cottage to Waikumete Cemetery.Establishment of the Returned Services Area.

W.A. Kirkpatrick (1921 - 1934) Supervised planting of 75,000 pinus radiata seedlings.Completed fencing of Cemetery and planting of an avenue of gums planted around theCemetery.First crematorium constructed.

Thomas Sissons (1934 - 1939) Craig plantings undertaken.

H. A. Lawson (1939 - 1947) First mausoleum installed by Corban family.



Sextons Key Works Undertaken During Tenure

Alf McBurney (1947 - 1968) New crematorium completed.Lawn burials begin.Berm burials begin.Gallipoli "Lone Pine" planted.Obelisk erected in commemoration of WWI. Millable pine removed from area.

Tom Brown (1970 - 1986) Assistant Sexton's house relocated to make way for Fire Station.Mortuary Chapel restored.

History of Buildings within the Cemetery

There are a number of buildings associated with the

development of the Cemetery. These include houses for the

Sextons and buildings associated directly with Cemetery

operations such as the Chapels and Crematorium. The history

of these buildings requires additional research; particularly if

they are to be included in any on-site interpretation pro-

grammes.

Waikumete Cemetery Mortuary Chapel

(Faith in the Oaks) 1886

This building was one of a group of buildings, including the

Cemetery Managers Key Works Undertaken During Tenure

Bill Graham (1985 - 1995) Wildflower Sanctuary established.Garden of Remembrance opened.

Clifton Thompson (1995 - 1998) Creation of the columbarium beside the Crematorium.Development of the Crematorium ash lawn.Development of stillborn area in Freesia Road.Further development of the eastern and western berm and lawn areas.Development of the Urupa.Installation of a new toilet off Waitakere View Road.Development of the Avenues of Remembrance off Acmena Avenue.Upgrading of Orchid Rise.

Graham Resnick (1998 - present) Additional mausoleums developed in Magnolia Way and Narcissus Drive.Stormwater treatment pond constructed adjacent to the Gaden Stream.Upgrading of the WWI cenotaph and memorial area (in conjunction with Glen Eden RSA).Commencement of deferred maintenance programme in older area, including weed controland road upgrading.Development of new berms in West Berm, West Lawn, North Lawn and Muslim areas.Landscaping of new Hebrew area (in conjunction with Hebrew Burial Society).

Table Three: Key Council Staff involved in Waikumete Cemetery

two Sexton's houses, that were advertised for tender in

188628. Mr E. Morris' successful bid was for £586. The building

was completed in May 1886 after it was taken over by the

architect, Mr H.G. Wade on behalf of the Auckland City

Council29. The building is in the shape of a Greek Cross and is

built of double cavity brick with a slate roof.

The building was used exclusively as a Mortuary Chapel

until November 1886 when the residents of Waikomiti

petitioned the Auckland City Council with a request to use the

building for Church services for various religious denomina-

tions. This request was granted provided the services be

suspended when the Chapel was required for funerals30. The

Chapel continued to be used for church services up to 192631.

28 ACC Minutes, 21 January 1886.29 Weekly News, 29 May 1886, p.17.30 ACC Minutes, 28 May 1886.31 Osborn, G., St Andrews Church, Glen Eden: A History.



Its final use was to house 1,800 urns of ashes when the old

crematorium was demolished in 1969.

The condition of the building deteriorated rapidly from

1969 to 1976. In 1977 a group of concerned local residents

established a restoration programme for the Chapel, forming

the Waikumete Restoration Trust in June 1978. The Trust was

formed with support from the Auckland and Waitemata City

Councils and the Borough Councils of Henderson, New Lynn

and Glen Eden. Glen Eden Borough Council in particular

played a significant role in the Chapel's restoration. The Trust

comprises a voluntary group of church, Council and commu-

nity representatives. Their stated function is to restore,

maintain and manage the Chapel. In 1980 the Trust was given

a management lease for a term of 30 years. The Trust

completed its restoration of the chapel in 1986. The Chapel

was renamed "The Chapel of the Faith in the Oaks" after the

grove of large oak trees around its perimeter.

The Sextons' Houses

Tenders for the construction of two houses for the Sexton

and the Assistant Sexton were called for in January 188632.

The successful tenderer was Mr J. Heron with £189 for the

smaller two-bedroom dwelling and £297 for the larger three-

bedroom one, which also had an office for the Sexton.

Construction of the buildings was completed in May 188633.

Sexton's House 1886

Built in 1886 by E. Heron for £297. Originally this house

had 3 bedrooms, a parlour, a living room and a scullery, with a

large room on the east corner, intended for the Cemetery

office, that had an entrance off the front veranda. The building

is clad with rusticated weather boards. The building is situated

in the Cemetery on the corner of what is now known as Old

Chapel Way and Waikumete Road, immediately opposite the

original site of the old Glen Eden railway station. The postal

address is 1 Waikumete Road.

It is clear that the office originally built at the front of the

house eventually became the master bedroom, transforming

the dwelling from 3 bedrooms to 4 bedrooms.

In November 1919 the City Engineer's Office furnished the

Town Clerk with an estimate of £62.10 to build a 12 foot x 8

foot room in the north eastern corner of the house. This room

then became the Cemetery office34.

Sextons house

32 ACC Minutes, 21 January 1886.33 ACC Minutes, 20 May 1886.34 Letter from W.E. Bush, ACC City Engineer to Town Clerk, 19 November 1919.



Assistant Sexton's House 1886-1918

Built in 1886 by E. Heron for £189. This house had 2

bedrooms, a parlour, a living room and a scullery. The building

is commonly believed to have been situated north east of the

Sexton's house on what is now known as Glenview Road.

Careful examination of the front elevation of this building on

the Auckland City Council drawing of this dwelling indicates

that the draftsman may have intended that the Assistant

Sexton's House should be built facing into the Cemetery - the

same way as the Sexton's dwelling. In this case it may well

have stood closer to what is now Old Chapel Way than to

what is now known as Glenview Road, as is commonly

believed - a road that would have been an unimportant dirt

track in 1886. This building was burnt down in early 191835.

The Foreman's House (Also known as the Beach Road

Cottage and as the Glenview Road Cottage)

During the period from 1914 to 1918, many improvements

were carried out in the Cemetery. On 27 September 1916, in

accordance with a suggestion made by the Chairman of the

Public Services Committee, the Superintendent of Parks

recommended that a residence should be provided for the

foreman in charge of the improvements. At that time the two

existing houses at the Cemetery were occupied by Mr

Erickson, the Sexton, and his assistant.

Rather than build a new residence (at an estimated cost of

£400 - £500) it was decided to remove a cottage from 109

Beach Road, Auckland, where a major improvement scheme

was also taking place and re-erect it within the Cemetery

grounds at Glen Eden.

On 28 October a full set of specifications was drawn up for

the cutting of the dwelling into suitable sections and it's re-

35 ACC Minutes, 25 July 1918.36 Letter from W.E. Bush (City Engineer) to Town Clerk, 27 September 1916. See also WCC cemetery microfilm plans 4461/1 and 4598/1.

Assistant Sextons house, Auckland City Archives

Foremans house



erection on the new site at a total cost of just under £23036. As

re-erected, the building had 3 bedrooms and a kitchen/living

room with a lean-to wash house. The building is clad with

rusticated weather boards.

On it's first Waikumete site (1917 - 1979) this dwelling was

situated south east of the Sexton's House and south of the

Assistant Sexton's House in the triangle formed by the

junction of what is now known as Waikumete Road and

Glenview Road. In 1979, in order to make way for the new fire

station, this dwelling was moved northwards to approximately

the site the Assistant Sexton's House had occupied up to 1918

when it was burnt down. This is the house that stands today at

No. 6 Glenview Road between the Glen Eden Fire Station and

the Chapel of Faith in the Oaks.

Crematoria and Chapels

Old Crematorium (1922 - 1969)

Calls for the construction of a crematorium in Auckland

began in 1909 when the Auckland Cremation Society offered

to pay Auckland City Council half the cost of establishing a

public crematorium. Auckland City Council, however, chose to

defer the proposal. It was again raised in 1916, when the

Mayor stated that the Minister of Health has suggested that

the Council should erect a crematorium at Waikumete. Once

again the Council decided that no further action should be

taken until the end of World War One37.

The Cremation Society reintroduced the issue in 1918,

stating that if an offer was to be made to the Health Depart-

ment to erect a public crematorium on a pound to pound

subsidy basis, it may be granted by Parliament. The Auckland

City Council responded by placing a £4,000 loan proposal

before its ratepayers. In June 1919 a poll was taken on the

proposal. The vote was 1,718 in favour and 1,071 against.

Although the proposal was carried with a majority of 647,

nothing happened until May 1922 when the City Engineer, Mr

W.E. Bush, sent a letter to the Town Clerk stating that he had

received a letter from the Carbon-oxide Company Limited of

London. The letter quoted the cost of iron work, steel work,

cast iron work, machinery and fire clay blocks for a cremation

37 Minutes of ACC Public Service Committee, 5 October 1915.

Foremans house Auckland City Archives

Aerial oblique of old crematorium



furnace of the latest type. The letter further stated that a set of

working drawings would be sent out with the goods38.

The proposed site for the building was near the soldiers'

area on Glenview Road. This resulted in a 140 strong petition

from Glen Eden residents concerned about the proximity of

the crematorium to residential housing and the "nervous

effects" cremations may have on "women home alone" and

"school children travelling home from school". Despite this and

protests from the Glen Eden Town Board39 the construction

work began in 1922. The builder was Mr Charles Walter

Ravenhall.

The building was completed in December 1922 at a cost

of £2,499 2s 10d. The builder then installed the furnace and

the furnace floor, bringing the total cost to £3,486 1s 3d.

Cremation charges were fixed at £4 4s 5d and the first

cremation was undertaken on 15 August 1923 in the coke and

wood fired furnace.

In 1934 a report to the Auckland City Council stated that

the Crematorium was in urgent need of replacement. In 1935,

rather than replacing the building, the Council chose to install

an oil-fired furnace to replace the old one which was in a bad

state of repair. The new furnace was first tested using 200lbs

of heavy beef and bone in a typical wooden casket and was

proved to be entirely satisfactory40. An underground tank for

the storage of 500 gallons of fuel oil was placed at the side of

the building. These modifications reduced the time for

cremation from 1½ hours from start-up to 40 minutes and

allowed the plant to operate smoothly and silently with minimal

smoke emissions41.

New Crematorium (1953)

The building of the new crematorium was subject to many

delays. The initial plans with a cost estimate of £77,000 were

submitted to Auckland City Council in November 1945. The

Minister of Works, Mr Semple, deferred construction because

of the shortage of building materials following the end of World

War II42.

38 ACC Minutes, May 1922.39 Letter from Glen Eden Town Board to Auckland City Council Mayor and Councillors, 25 June 1922.40 Report to Town Clerk from City Engineer, 29 October 1935.41 Report to Town Clerk from City Engineer, 29 October 1935.42 NZ Herald, November 1945.

New crematorium built 1953



In 1947 a building permit was issued for part of the work.

In 1948 cremations exceeded the number of burials and in

response to continued calls to replace the old Crematorium,

the construction of a new crematorium was approved in

principle by the Building Control Subcommittee of the Cabinet.

Finally, in April 1949 the foundations were laid for the main

chapel and furnace room at a cost of £44,000. The architects

were Messrs. Massey, Beatson, Rex, Trott and Carter.

Fletchers were responsible for the construction work. In July

1950 the Minister of Works, Mr Goosman, refused a permit to

complete the rest of the complex. This included the smaller

chapel, the remainder of the columbarium, records office, rest

room, colonnade, circular wall, and rose garden (for scattering

of ashes)43.

A photo taken by the Auckland Star newspaper in 1952

revealed that the whole complex, other than the office and the

second chapel, was almost complete. The second chapel was

completed in September 1954 and a temporary office was

located on the lawn opposite in June 1956. The new Cremato-

rium was applauded as a striking piece of architecture and a

promotional brochure of the time stated that dignity, reverence

and comfort were the governing factors in its design44.

With the opening of the new Crematorium in 1953 the old

one ceased operation. The furnaces were dismantled in 1959

and the building itself was demolished in 1969. The remaining

urns of ashes were removed and stored in the Chapel of Faith

in the Oaks.

Jewish Prayer Houses

Old Jewish Prayer House (now located at Oratia Cemetery)

Also known as the Taharah House, the Jewish Prayer

House was built in 1886 by T.H. Jones at the cost of £100.

Plans for the Chapel were presented to the Auckland Jewish

Synagogue Committee by Mr J.R. Keesing on 4 July 1886.

Tenders were called for immediately and a circular was sent to

all Synagogue members to raise the necessary funds. On 25

July 1886 the tender of T.H. Jones for £100 was accepted,

�and work on the Chapel was to be proceeded with at once�.

Built entirely of kauri, the Prayer House was sited on the

northeast corner of the old Hebrew section. For the next 106

years the Jewish Community used it for burial services. The

first burial was conducted on 15 June 1887 for Mr F.H.

Lewisson. The Chapel and grounds were maintained by the

"Chevra Kadisha", the Jewish benevolent society charged with

caring for the bereaved and the dead.

The Chapel was removed from the Cemetery on 3 July

1992, one day prior to its intended demolition for salvageable

materials. In its later years especially the Chapel had become

a "frequent target of graffiti and vandal attacks" which were

proving costly to repair.

The Chapel was relocated to the Hoani Waititi Marae in

Waitakere City for use as an implement shed, then purchased

by the Oratia Cemetery Trust and moved four months later on

27 November 1992 to its final resting place in the Oratia

Cemetery. The Chapel has now been restored under the

direction of Mr David Harre45.

The Chevra Kadisha and Benevolent Society has recently

held discussions with Waitakere City Council regarding the

redevelopment of the original prayerhouse site for burials. It is

anticipated that there would be room for an additional 16

burials. This redevelopment is a result of a previous commit-

ment from the Council that the Society could use the land for

this purpose.

43 NZ Herald, 14 June 1950.44 Bush, G., Decently and in Order, 1971, p.351.45 Taken from an unpublished history of the Chapel by Paul Schloytje.

Former Jewish Prayer House



New Jewish Prayer House

Constructed in 1990 this modern octagonal building was

built as a replacement for the Old Jewish Prayerhouse within

the new area dedicated for Jewish burials.

Service Buildings

Old Toilets

These brick toilets, located on Acmena Ave and Kowhai

Road, are thought to have been built around 1939. They have

been subjected to ongoing vandalism and have been closed to

use on a regular basis. The block in Kowhai Road is sched-

uled for demolition due to the high level of vandalism, poor

surveillance and lack of usage.

Faith in the Oaks Toilet Block

Situated adjacent to Faith in the Oaks between the Chapel

and the Sexton's House, this small building is thought to have

been constructed in 1987 at the time of the Chapel's restora-

tion. It is designed in a style sympathetic with the Chapel.

New Jewish Prayer House built 1990

Old Toilets Faith in the Oaks toilet



New Toilets

Located on Waitakere View Road, these Exeloo style

toilets were erected in 1999 to serve the modern western

berms and lawns and Urupa. Unfortunately the style and

location of these toilets integrates poorly with the Cemetery

Works Shed

Mausoleum

and they are located in a visually prominent location.

Works Shed

Built in 1961, the works shed and associated yard and

depot is located in Amber Crescent.



Mausoleums

There are a total of 37 mausoleums in Waikumete

Cemetery along Orchid Rise, Narcissus Drive and Magnolia

Way. The first Mausoleum was built in 1941 by the Corban

family for the interment of Assid Abraham Corban.

Contribution of the Buildings to theCemetery

The presence of the historic buildings around Old Chapel

Way and the Crematorium adds appreciably to the signifi-

cance of Waikumete Cemetery as a historical site. Together

the buildings form a group significance interpretting early

cemetery function and social development. The buildings

highlight the clear relationship between management of the

site as a functioning cemetery while also contributing visually

in terms of bulk and scale within the landscape. In particular

the buildings contribute to the landscape character of the

Cemetery in terms of built structure, complementing and

enhancing the soft landscape and hard landscape features of

graves with their interspersed vegetation.

Corban Mausoleum

Landscape History Summary

From its inception in 1886, Waikumete Cemetery has

undergone a number of physical and vegetative changes.

Many of these changes have been human-induced and relate

to the adaptation of the topography and vegetation of the site,

while others are a response to natural processes, in particular

fire, which have affected the site over the years.

The following summary of the landscape history of

Waikumete has been derived predominantly from the exten-

sive range of maps and plans of the site that date from the

late 1800's to the present. Additional 'infill' information has

been gleaned from historical records and archive information

held by Waitakere City Council and previous reports, summa-

ries carried out by a range of interest groups associated with

the Cemetery. The information is referenced in the summary

text associated with each era covered by the plans.

Information on the landscape changes at Waikumete is

'sketchy' and relies on the sporadic notation of planting and

landscape works pulled together from a variety of sources,



including Waitakere City Council archives, the Department of

Conservation, National Archives, interviews of present and

past staff, and the Historic Places Trust. The summary draws

on the historical information on Waikumete and is supple-

mented, where appropriate, with an analysis of vegetative and

landscape treatments that may relate to broader cemetery

design influences over the years.

For ease of interpretation, the majority of the informa-

tion has been reflected in the appendicised plans that

notate the significant landscape modifications and ap-

proaches within certain time periods and gives an overall

picture (from the documented information) of the landscape

of the Cemetery.

1886-1904 (Refer to Figure 1A, Appendix 15)

Waikumete Cemetery had a smaller original developed

area (53 acres) that related strongly to the railway line. At

this time the railway line was the predominant access for

people to the Cemetery. During this period the Cemetery was

located some distance from the 'built up' or residential part of

the city. This original area of Cemetery was treated in a

formal manner. Layout of the grave sites and associated

roads and pathways took the form of a grid pattern that was

literally 'laid over' the existing topography. At this stage there

is no evidence of any attempt to modify the topography, and

the grid-like pattern contrasts strongly with the natural gullies

and landform of the site.

This attempt to implement a grid-like pattern is typical of

cemetery design of the Victorian era, where the desired

character was the attainment of a sense of order within the

'harsh' environment and in some sense to create a style

reminiscent of a garden. Evidence of this approach is

documented in comments made in local papers regarding the

Cemetery, which refer to the Cemetery "�being made more

attractive than at present."46

The main focus for the Cemetery at this time was the

entrance located near the railway line and the associated

buildings clustered in that vicinity. These buildings include the

Sextons' houses and Chapel of Faith in the Oaks. The nearby

Glen Eden Railway Station was also an important building at

the time, providing access to the Cemetery.

There is documentation on plans from this period of a

number of shelter belt plantings and fencing to control stock.

This was the first period of major planting within the Cemetery

and the planting consisted of predominantly exotic shelter

species with some evidence of the first plantings of wildflowers

at gravesides. At this time the Cemetery site was surrounded

by gumland vegetation.

There are a number of wildflower species within

Waikumete Cemetery, many originating from grave plantings

that have become naturalised within the Cemetery. Most of

these species are from Southern Africa and this is considered

the largest collection of these plants in the world outside of

their natural environment.

Significant examples of particular wildflower species are

found in the following areas:

� Both sides of Daffodil Drive have extensive displays of

Romulea.

� Both sides of Acmena Drive, from Watsonia Way to

Waitakere View Road, have good displays of wildflowers

amongst the graves.

� The old toilet area has a display of Ixia.

Appendix 6 - Wildflowers in Waikumete - outlines the

range of exotic naturalised plants within the Cemetery with

general locations. The list differentiates between those plants

that are 'garden escapees' and those which are 'meadow

plants'. However, many of the species would have originated

as deliberate plantings on and in the graves.

1904-1918 (Refer to Figure 1B, Appendix 15)

By 1904 the Cemetery had fallen into a state of disrepair

and there was extensive discussion on the unsatisfactory state

of the gravesites. Planting in particular had grown out of

control due to lack of maintenance. Following complaints the

46 New Zealand Herald, 22 July 1904. Improvements needed for Waikumete Cemetery "at present disgrace to the city" (Mayor). Cemetery should be

made "more attractive" than at present.



47 1909/1910 TCR, p.14. "Waikumete: in this cemetery the task of keeping the cemetery in decent order and of executing improvements has been

carried out to as great an extent as the funding available permitted and the cemetery staff were able to cope with. The road lending across the gully

has been reformed; all other roads kept in repair, and a large area of footpaths reformed, tarred and sanded. The hedges have been trimmed;

flowering bulbs have been planted in the main gully; shrubs planted in nursery rows and the open drain through the main gully cleaned out, while

the buildings and fences have been kept in order. The cemetery, unfortunately presents a very bleak aspect, which must continue until the planting

operations have advanced sufficiently to improve this condition of affairs."48 Report to Finance Committee, June 1918, ACC.

Council instigated a 'clean-up' which involved general

maintenance, bulb and shrub planting47. Native specimen

trees (unfortunately un-named) were planted during this period

along with some exotics, including oaks and gums.

Further fencing and upgrading continued throughout the

period, with the major change occurring in 1917 with the

establishment of the Returned Soldiers Area. The layout of

this new area reflected a major change in the style of cem-

etery layout and planting. The grid pattern was replaced with

winding paths and a less formal planting layout. The entrance

feature on the corner of Great North and Glenview Road

(during this period called 'Cemetery Road') was developed at

this time also, and provided the first dominant and specifically

designed entrance to the Cemetery.

"The work in connection with the laying out of that portion

dedicated to Returned Soldiers called for special care and

attention on the part of your Committee, and much time and

attention was devoted by the Committee to this special work.

The plans of the city engineer were followed in laying out

this area whereby provision was made for a wide imposing

entrance, and which from the natural configuration of the ground

destines it to become the main entrance to the Cemetery.

It is the intention of your Committee to erect gates at this

entrance, supported by concrete pillars of such design to fit in

with the general scheme of further improvements.

Through the grounds is formed a Drive of graceful curves,

giving easy access to the sections allotted to the several

Denominations and continuing down into the main drive of the

Cemetery.

The whole of this area comprising 17 acres, was twice

ploughed, harrowed and well cleaned, and sown with grass

seed, and is now coming into vigorous growth, giving a

pleasing effect with its park like appearance. SGD J

Trevethick, Chairman."48

Wildflowers



Returned Soldiers Area

Returned Soldiers Area



49 7 March 1925, New Zealand Herald, p.10. "The mayor is very pleased with tree-planting at Waikumete. 90% of trees planted over the 130 acres

are well established. Although the expenditure had been considerable during the last 6 or 7 yrs it was now ended and no further special appropria-

tions would be necessary. The trees were well forward and could now be left to look after themselves."50 12 June 1920. Memo from W. Kirkpatrick, Foreman to the City Engineer, ACC. "Advised that 1,000 Pinus trees arrived. Require 100 natives mixed.

Lot of Rimu, Kahikatea, Miro, Matai, Totara, Puriri, Kauri, Karaka, Pohutukawa and NZ Cedar; if they can get it all from Nihotupu."51 30 May 1921. From W. Kirkpatrick to the Town Clerk, ACC. Reporting that "the fencing of the Cemetery Reserve is now completed. The Eucalyptus

Amygdalina (250) have been planted making a complete avenue of gums all round the cemetery."

1918-1925 (Refer to Figure 1C, Appendix 15)

This was the second era of major planting within the

Cemetery49, the planting predominantly being carried out on

the large area of land adjacent to the Cemetery itself. Pine

with some native specimens dominated this planting.

Plans showed that the original shelter planting along Great

North Road was well established by this stage and consisted

of a 30m wide plantation. Further planting in gullies was

carried out at this time also. Pines and mixed natives were

planted in 192050. In 1921, 250 eucalypts were planted which

were said to have made a "complete avenue of gums all round

the cemetery"51. The eucalypts noted were Eucalyptus

amygdalina, but the species supplied were in fact Eucalyptus

pulchella. Remnants of these trees still exist along the

Glenview Road boundary, as identified in the Arboricultural

assessment of the eucalypts, (refer Appendix 7 - Eucalypt

Species Recorded in Waikumete Cemetery).

Eucalypts

Natives in gullies



1925-1940 (Refer to Figure 1D, Appendix 15)

A major impact on the Cemetery in this era was a fire that

destroyed most of the 200 acre pine plantation established

during the early 1900's52. Native and exotic plantings were

destroyed in the fire. At this time maintenance was again an

issue, with some cleared areas of land reverting to gorse53.

A mass planting of natives in the gullies was carried out in

response to complaints about the lack of amenity within the

Cemetery54. Planting along fence lines is documented,

including gums - exact locations for these plantings are not

given.

1940-1960 (Refer to Figure 1E, Appendix 15)

The major change during this period was the development

of the land to the west of the original Cemetery. New roads

followed a more sinuous pattern and land was modified with

extensive cut and fill to create areas appropriate for the

gravesites (in contrast to the original overlay of the grid).

Planting of specimen trees was carried out, including the

Acmena specimens, cypress, kowhai and pines55.

The new Crematorium, built in 1951, was developed with

an extensive exotic garden surrounding the building. The lawn

cemetery style was established56. This innovation, which was

Acmena Ave

52 NZ Herald, 27 March 1929. "Fire swept through nearly half of the City Council's 200 acres of pine plantation at Waikumete yesterday, scorching or

destroying about 40,000 young trees."53 1 August 1934. Report to Town Clerk on criticism of the cemetery maintenance and appearance. "The improvements carried out to the newer

portion of the cemetery include the forming of avenues and walks which provide for grass margins. Present policy of beautification is on the right

track."54 18 June 1934, NZ Herald, p.13. "Far from being God's acre it seemed to this correspondent that the curse of God lay on it." "�tract of desolate

swampy ground�".55 20 August 1961. Gallipoli 'Lone Pine' seedling planted (and bronze plaque erected) by the Western Suburbs RSA 'in remembrance of the fallen'.56 8 March 1943, ACC MB 43, p.236. Comprehensive scheme for Waikumete Cemetery future development. Work to be done immediately includes:

widening of road, development of Roman Catholic area, 4,500 cubic metres of earth moving. Comments that the burial system known as the lawn

plan has much to commend it.



typical of cemetery design of the time, created a different

character to the spaces within Waikumete Cemetery.

1960-1980 (Refer to Figure 1F, Appendix 15)

A period of continued clearing and burning of vegetation

along with further earthworks and sinuous roadways. Another

fire destroyed parts of the scrub and forest within the site57.

Neglect of some areas within the Cemetery was again

reported.

1980 - present (Refer to Figure 1E, Appendix 14)

Continued minor additions to the Cemetery occurred with

sporadic planting. The Garden of Remembrance and the

establishment of the Urupa were the main developments

during this period. A landscape development plan for the

Cemetery was developed for Waitakere City Council by

Barnett Shafer and Corfe Landscape Architects. Only certain

elements of this plan were implemented - predominantly those

features associated with the Crematorium and Chapel such as

the Garden Of Remembrance58.

Summary

The research regarding the landscape history of

Waikumete Cemetery suggests that the development of the

Cemetery has been carried out with well-defined and generally

traditional design intentions, but that many of these efforts

either were not fully carried out or were diluted through lack of

maintenance subsequent to their implementation. An example

of this is the intent for the Cemetery to reflect an ordered and

'garden-like' character at its inception, however, due to both

the topography of the site and the lack of maintenance

through the years, this intent was never truly realised and the

site was often viewed as a neglected swampland.

No clear indication is given of an overall landscape master

plan for the development of the Cemetery in any of its eras of

development, with work tending to be carried out in a sporadic

way in response to either natural disasters (fire), the need for

new grave areas, and/or complaints about the state of

disrepair.

Remnants of older plantings (i.e. Cypress and oaks, etc.)

indicate that there was an intention to recreate a traditional

Victorian Cemetery approach to planting, in particular with the

use of 'symbolic' trees.

The legacy of neglect is partly what gives the current

Cemetery its distinctive character, with the sense of decay and

random naturalisation of specimen trees and wildflowers.

57 November 1969, ASB, p.279. 20 acres of scrub and forest at the cemetery destroyed by fire.58 NZ Herald, 20 July 1994, S.1, p.6. New Garden of Remembrance opened.

Urupa



Early grave layout in presbyterian area WCC Archives



59 Much of the information in this section is from Clough and Associates, 1999.60 Symonds Street Cemetery Conservation Plan, p.39.61 McNab and Mason Papers, Auckland Public Library, Special Collections, ref 807/381, 1, 2, and 3.62 Symonds Street Cemetery Conservation Plan, p.39.

Evidence of the intent for order within the Cemetery, particu-

larly in the original Cemetery area, is reflected in the remnant

avenue, the layout of plots, and the large specimen tree and

hedge plantings in this area.

From its establishment the planted gullies within the

Cemetery were retained. The retention of these gullies has

quite dramatically influenced the style of the Cemetery, as

they have continued to impart an informal and highly veg-

etated naturalistic character.

Monuments and Graves59

Waikumete Cemetery is laid out on sloping undulating

land bisected by several gullies. Early portions of the Cem-

etery were formally planned in rows back to back and grouped

by denominations.

The Cemetery was, and is still, serviced by a large range

of Auckland's monumental masons. Many still retain the

names of their predecessors. The process of monumental

masonry has changed little since early times. The one key

change has been the move of cemetery management towards

lawn or berm type layouts, which involve a simple marker,

either laid flush to the ground surface or mounted on a

concrete plinth or berm. This type of planning emphasises

uniform layout and standardised grave design for the ease of

maintenance.

Masons still operate largely as they always have, as

importers of monumental stone who carry out the final finishing

work which involves the cutting, polishing, letter cutting and

erection of the monument. Today most of the headstones are

constructed of granite, but traditionally grave sites were marked

by a range of materials from timber to stone such as sandstone,

marble, and - the most expensive - granite. The most commonly

used material during the late nineteenth and early twentieth

centuries was marble, (commonly Carrara) which was some-

times shaped or decorated with relief carving. The lettering was

formed by carving each character, filling it with a lead plug and

finally polishing the surface.

The more elaborate Victorian and Edwardian graves often

incorporated figurative marble work which, along with much of

the relief carving, was produced overseas - most commonly

Carrara, Italy - and imported by each monumental mason.

Both the Italian Marble Company and the Italian Sculpture

Marble Company were providing Auckland Masons with their

figurative marble work at the same time60.

By the turn of the twentieth century, carved granite

monuments were also being imported from Aberdeen,

Scotland. Firms like W.M. Crighton provided Auckland masons

McNab and Mason with elaborate catalogues with a large

range of monuments. The common type were "Red and Grey

Scotch Granite"61.

There is very little information about the process of stone

masonry at Waikumete. This includes the level to which the

local stone masons would have added carved decoration to

blank headstones or monuments. Some of the decorative

relief carving on gravestones can be attributed to local stone

masons, but further research is required to confirm the extent

and significance of this work. From around the 1880's to just

after the turn of the century was the peak of elaborate

memorial design in New Zealand. During this period people's

attitude towards death combined with the skill of designers

and artisans to produce some fine examples of memorial

architecture within the early areas of the Cemetery62.

After the First World War memorial design in general

reverted to more simple styles, as the mechanisation of stone

cutting processes and cemetery maintenance developed.

Gradually the most maintenance efficient form - the lawn

cemetery - has been accepted across New Zealand.

Grave Design and Symbolism

Victorian and Edwardian designs dominate the graves in

the older part of the Cemetery. Victorian and Edwardian

monument and grave design seldom made direct reference to

death. Instead it made polite euphemistic associations with

the character of the deceased and the feelings of the family



towards them63. This was expressed through the type of grave

marker, its decorative design, inscriptions, and association

with other grave sites.

The older parts of the Cemetery are characterised by the

definition of each plot by an edging wall (sometimes used to

keep stock out when areas were being grazed), a raised base

or fence and often include a headstone or memorial as a

marker. The area within the boundary of the plot was often

decorated with shells, white stones or sometimes tiled, which

generally became a surface for placing commemorative items

such as porcelain flowers or wreaths.

The armed services areas and the modern lawn and berm

cemetery areas have reduced the opportunity to mark the

entire grave by limiting the area for the placement of grave

headstones and prescribing standardised designs.

The importance of cemetery architecture lies not in the

headstones alone, but in the relationship of headstones to

their surrounding rails and kerbings, and to the cemetery

landscape as a whole. The symbolism of a particular grave

may also be expressed in the kerbing and railing of the grave,

with those elements forming a complete design.

All elements of an individual grave's architecture are part

of the design whole and should be considered as forming a

complete unit along with the headstone. The loss of such

design elements would certainly remove an essential part of

the grave's complete design.

The geographical or topographical position of particular

graves may have been planned so that it can be seen as part

of a particular vista, or so that it could be seen from a

particular viewpoint or for the view from it. It was not unusual

in nineteenth century cemetery landscaping to place smaller

headstones nearer a drive with larger ones still visible behind

in an effort to create picturesque composition. In addition,

some graves such as family groups often relate to their

neighbours.

The predominant form of the cemetery was a rectangular

grid pattern of rows and plots with the numbering of the plots

alternatively across the row like street numbering - even

numbers one side and odd on the other. This replication of

residential housing patterns reinforces the common theme

cemeteries have always followed as cities of the dead which

paralleled those of the living.

Memorial Design Origins

Memorial design stems from two primary sources - the

menhir (single standing stone) or cairn (heaped pile of smaller

stones), and the idea of the tomb as a house. Both the

menhir/cairn and the tomb-as-house ideas date from early

history and it is not possible to date one earlier than the other.

Both ideas are frequently combined in tomb design. In

general, the menhir/cairn pointedly and dominantly marks a

burial for remembrance, whereas the enclosed tomb reminds

us in modern times that death is close to life and that it could

be likened to sleeping in a bedroom waiting to be awakened.

In the past, many cultures have believed that death is simply

another life and so they could take into that "after-life" the

possessions and necessities that they had used in the life they

had just left. So the tomb was fitted out just like the home with

their belongings and perhaps even their servants to be used

again in whatever future awaited them. From the menhir/cairn

are descended such design patterns as the Roman stela, the

concept of burial under altars, and the use of pillars, crosses,

statues and modern headstones as grave markers. From the

tomb-as-house comes the concept of the coffin, the crypt, the

vault and the mausoleum, and the use of horizontal ledgers or

lids perhaps decorated with carving or effigies culminating in

the large and ornate canopied tomb.

Grave Types Represented in the Cemetery

Altars and Ledgers (Headstone)

Altar tombs consist of flat, inscribed slabs of stone

supported on raised brick or cement walls or sometimes on a

solid raised block of brick or stone. As this was predominantly

a nineteenth century design, many of these altars have

become notoriously unstable due to ground subsidence or

weathering of bricks or mortar. As a result, many have been

demolished and the slabs laid directly on top of the grave

63 Sagazio (1992) p 132.



itself. Such slabs are called ledgers and if they have moulded

or caved edges, this can be an indicator of former raised

placement.

Chest Tombs

Similar to altars and ledgers, chest tombs are also raised,

but have stone panelled walls or concrete rendered brick

walls. The corners usually act as the main supports for the top

slab and are slotted for the side panels to be slid into place.

These panels allowed for extensive and durable inscriptions.

Chest tombs were also prone to collapse, but not so readily as

altars as they tended to have stronger corner post supports.

Bedheads and Armchairs

This design was a later development of chest tomb that

combined the altar and chest type to form a composite type. It

defines the outline of the grave plot with an edging wall

incorporating a low tilted headstone often buttressed with

armrest forms. These types of graves date back from the late

1920's and are constructed of brick with a rendered plaster

finish.

Alters and Ledgers

Chest Tombs

Bedheads and Armchairs

Crosses

Crosses were out of favour in England for three hundred

years following the Reformation as they were regarded as

idolatrous. They came back into fashion in England and New

Zealand around the 1850's and became extremely popular as



the incorporation of Italian marble into designs increased later

in the century. The cross tends to be mounted on a pedestal

base or a headstone. Types of crosses found in Waikumete

include:

Calvary: Single cross-bar

shorter than the upright.

Pedestal has three steps

representing the Trinity or

Faith, Hope and Charity.

Celtic: Single cross bar, often

tall and ornately carved with a

circle or solid wheel at the

junction of the bar and upright.

Maltese : Equally sized bar

and upright. Ends widen in a

triangular pattern similar to a

medal decoration.

Eastern Orthodox: Double bar

that is horizontal above and

slanted below.

The groups of Mausoleums found in Waikumete along

Narcissus Drive and Magnolia Way are predominantly

constructed of concrete by the local Yugoslavian and Leba-

nese communities and are a unique example of this type in

New Zealand. The family name is often prominently located

above the entranceway or to one side at the front of the

building. Many have small gardens outside or features

constructed around the entrance to allow the placement of

fresh flowers.

The first Mausoleum was built in 1941 by the Corban

family for the interment of Assid Abraham Corban. There are

now 37 Mausoleums in the Cemetery, the most recent one

being completed in 2001. They range in size, with the largest

able to hold 40 caskets.

Mausoleums

The Public Mausoleum, built in 1992 by Stately Mausole-

ums, was opened on 30 September 1992 and has proved a

very popular facility. There are 24 crypts/niches, which are

now either full or pre-purchased.

Vaults

Vaults are sometimes referred to as "poor man's crypts" as

they can often be little more than a brick lined grave. Some,

however, can be quite large and entered by steps underneath

a slab that is usually distinguished by ringbolts or handles in

the surface. Often a hinged gate would be inserted into the

railings for added ease of access. There are a few vaults at

Waikumete, but this is not a commonly used type of grave in

the Cemetery.

Calvary Cross

Maltese Cross

Celtic Cross

Mausoleums

Mausoleums are fairly infrequent in New Zealand. Whole

avenues of mausoleums, as seen in cemeteries in Europe and

America, are not found in this country. This may be due to the

small percentage of European and Middle Eastern ethnic

groups that use this form of burial who are resident in New

Zealand. The high cost of construction may also be a factor.



The first above-ground burial at Waikumete was the

Buchanan Monument. The Buchanan family came from

Glasgow in Scotland where they were stone masons. Three

sons came to New Zealand in 1861. Edward Buchanan

established Buchanan Monumental Specialists in Auckland in

1862. The Buchanan Memorial spire was erected either in the

late 1800's or early 1900's. Made of pink marble, it is about 20

feet high. It was prepared in Scotland and shipped to New

Zealand by the Buchanan family. There is a memorial to

Edward and his wife Elizabeth, a brother George and his wife

Agnes and their three children, and a brother John64.

Memorial Types Represented in the Cemetery

There are two types of memorials in the Cemetery - those

that are a feature of individual graves and those that com-

memorate major events that resulted in multiple deaths, such

as world wars and the Erebus tragedy.

Individual Grave Memorials

This type of memorial is associated with the older parts of

the Cemetery. Modern day memorials are much smaller in

keeping with the lawn cemetery layout and reflect the

increasing trend towards cremations rather than burials.

Individual grave memorials are composed of a variety of

symbols that can relate to a person's occupation, their style of

living, character, religion, or to the way that they died. They

can also reflect what the person buried thought of themself

and what others thought of them.

There are a number of common symbols that appear on

memorials in Waikumete. They represent common themes

and values of the many religious denominations and cultural

groups buried within the Cemetery. A summary of these

symbols is contained in Appendix Two.

Waikumete also contains a number of memorials that are

represented by other means. The most common of these is

tree planting. One of the most significant is a grove of some

500 native trees planted in the 1930's by Charles Craig. This

planting is located in the gully between Watsonia Way and

Crocus Road. In addition, the Cemetery management has

recently established Avenues of Remembrance or Ecoburials,

where a native tree is used as the marker for a grave.

64 Information provided by Mrs E. Daphne Porter.

Marble grave marker with lead inlay lettering



Commemorative Memorials

These tend to be a more modern feature of the Cemetery

and commemorate wars, epidemics (such as influenza) and

disasters. One of the most significant is the Erebus Memorial,

erected to commemorate the unidentified remains of passen-

gers on an Air New Zealand DC10 flight that crashed in

Antarctica on 28 November 1979.

Archaeological Features

Archaeological sites are defined under the Historic Places

Act 1993 as "any place in New Zealand that � was associ-

ated with human activity that occurred before 1900; or is the

site of the wreck of any vessel where that wreck occurred

before 1900; and is or may be able, through investigation by

archaeological methods, to provide evidence relating to the

history of New Zealand."

Archaeological evidence may also relate to later periods,

although these remains are not legally protected unless

specifically declared to be an archaeological site by the

Historic Places Trust, as provided for under the Act.

65Clough and Associates carried out an archaeological

assessment of the Cemetery area in 1999 as part of the

preparatory work for the Conservation Plan. The research and

survey undertaken for the assessment focussed on the

establishment and operation of the Cemetery and on physical

remains that preceded cemetery use. Archival references were

found to activities such as gum digging and contracts relating

to de-stumping and ploughing of unused parts of the Cem-

etery, but no direct references could be found to the initial

extraction of kauri or other native timbers from the area or to

earlier Maori use of the land66.

Prior to the purchase of the land for cemetery use, the

only feature depicted on early plans is the route of an old dray

road running from Glen Eden station up to the ridge and along

what is now Sunhill Road and Awaroa Roads. At the top of the

ridge (near the current water reservoir) a branch also swung

towards an early settlement in the Henderson Valley. This may

have followed the route of an earlier Maori track through the

area, as the ridgelines were the logical route through an

otherwise swampy terrain. No archaeological sites have been

recorded in the area. Recorded pre-European settlement sites

in West Auckland tend to be concentrated in coastal areas.

The lack of archival and archaeological information

indicates that the area may not have been used much by

either Maori or European settlers other than for transit prior to

the establishment of the Cemetery in 1886. This was con-

firmed by a physical survey, which found no archaeological

remains relating to pre-1886 activities. It is possible, however,

that the extensive modification of the landscape to create the

Cemetery may have obliterated any evidence of the area's

early history.

Clearance of the stumps from the old plantation area

behind the Crematorium in 1999 was monitored as this was

reputed to have been the location of an old gum diggers

camp. However, no archaeological remains were uncovered.

The historic part of the Cemetery with its chapel, graves,

tombs, pathways and roads is an area of considerable

archaeological significance. The tomb inscriptions have

considerable information relating to social history, genealogy

and demography. Analysis of the materials used and design of

the gravestones and monuments also provides information on

the source of available raw materials and on local crafts and

industries (stone masonry, iron foundries, lime and cement

industries, brick making and ceramics). Old pathways and

roads also provide evidence of the original layout of the

Cemetery as well as the types of materials used in their

construction.

Occasional finds of salt glazed garden edging were

located out of context in the old part of the Cemetery, around

some of the graves and in the fill beneath Daffodil Drive.

These are of local manufacture - one edging tile had remnants

of a Carder Brothers, Ponsonby stamp. It would appear that

many of these earlier decorative features have been removed,

probably for ease of maintenance, but the remnants provide

valuable information on the design and manufacture of these

former features and it is important that they are both recorded

and stored in an appropriate manner.

65 Much of the information in this section is from Clough and Associates, 1999.66 Clough and Associates, 1999.



The older part of the Cemetery is also the location of the

remains of the old Crematorium, dating back to 1922/23. The

remains of the building can still be observed under the

pohutukawa trees between the Soldiers' and Hebrew Plots.

The site of the original Jewish Prayerhouse, built in 1886, is

also contained within this part of the Cemetery.

The remains of a rubbish trench located to the north of

Anglican M and N below the paupers' graves in the gully

between Ixia Street and Eucalyptus Avenue was also investi-

gated. Over 30m long, about 700 millimetres wide and of

unknown depth, the trench contains a considerable amount of

rubbish such as broken glass, ceramics, metal and bottles.

Discussions held with Martin Banks (current Cemetery

Foreman) revealed that the material in the trench was derived

largely from broken funerary ornaments that had been cleared

from grave monuments. A few bottle fragments near the

surface indicated that some of the material derives from the

20th century. However it is possible that the lower levels of the

trench contain 19th century material, since general rubbish

deposits, particularly in gullies, are likely to have been used

and added to over an extended period of time. Dense

vegetation indicated that the trench was as least 40 years old.

The survey concluded that the archaeological values of

the Cemetery have been considerably compromised as a

result of the extensive spread of self-seeded plants such as

pohutukawa and acacia and invasive species such as heather

and watsonia. This is of most concern in large areas such as

Roman Catholic A through C, Non Conformist, Presbyterian

and Wesleyan A through D and Anglican G & H. These

species have overgrown and caused often irreversible

damage to graves. The pohutukawa, although a New Zealand

native, does not naturally occur in this area and the planted

specimens around the Cemetery are of unknown provenance.

Urgent action is required to minimise further damage.

Historic roads and paths were generally recorded as being

in a poor state of repair, largely as a result of poor construc-

tion techniques consisting of laying shelly tarmac straight onto

clay soils with very little preparation. Poor maintenance and in

particular a lack of ongoing maintenance of drains have

compounded the rate of deterioration.

Overall, with the exception of the tombs themselves, the

fabric (e.g. roads and paths) has been extensively modified

since 1886 with the result that it is unlikely that much of the

original fabric has been retained. The original layout is

considered to be of archaeological significance and as such

should not be altered. Furthermore, removal of fabric and/or

archaeological features should be avoided wherever possible.

The following table summarises the archaeological values:

Feature Values

Older areas (including the Considerable archaeological significance. Tomb inscriptions have considerable informationChapel, graves and tombs) relating to social history, genealogy and demography, material used on gravestones and

monuments provide information on raw materials and on local crafts and industries of thetime.

Old roads and pathways Considerable archaeological significance. Provide evidence of original layout of Cemetery aswell as materials used in their construction.

Occasional finds of ceramic Generally in the older part of the Cemetery and tend to be of local manufacture. Removeddecorative edging from headstones possibly for ease of maintenance. Provide information on design and

manufacture of these former features.

Old Crematorium Located adjacent to Glenview Road opposite Sarona Ave (North side of Hebrew A). Thefoundation layers can still be observed. Could be further exposed and interpreted for publicinterest.

Site of the Jewish Prayerhouse Located adjacent to Glenview Road opposite Sarona Avenue (Hebrew A). No buildingremains, site only.

Table Four: Summary of Archaeological Features of Waikumete Cemetery



Representative Selection of NotableGraves67

Waikumete Cemetery contains the graves of many people

who played a significant role in the community, either locally or

nationally. They include figures in the early development of

Auckland's commercial sector such as brickmakers,

winemakers, war heroes, politicians and criminals.

Notable Person Personal Details

John Archibald d.1948 Well known local brickmaker.

George and Helen Boyd d.1886 George Boyd: Founder of Newton Potteries, Ponsonby.Helen Boyd: Tombstone reads, "in the true spirit of charity she provided for the orphans andessayed by ornamenting the public parks with sculptures."

Don Buck d.1917 Ran a notorious gum-digging camp in Henderson, applying his own brand of law and order.(Francisco Rodrigues Figueira)

Assid Abraham Corban Local winemaker (Henderson). Planted his first four acres of grapes in 1902.1864-1941

Albert Crum d.1951 Well known local brickmaker. Established a brickyard in New Lynn in 1905.

Charles Oliver Bond Davis Government official, Maori interpreter, author of The Renowned Chief Kawiti (1855) and Lifed.1887 and Times of Patuone (1876).

Sir Ernest Hyam Davis Mayor of Newmarket (1909-1911) and Auckland City (1935-1941). Known for gifts to the1872-1962 community.

Lady Marion Davis Born Marion Mitchell, a well known soprano, later wife of Sir Ernest Davis.

Sir George Fowlds 1860-1934 MP for Auckland City (1899-1902) and Grey Lynn (until 1911). Received the CBE for hisefforts in World War I and was knighted in 1928.

Reginald Stanley Judson d.1972 1st Battalion Auckland Regiment. Received a VC at Baupaume 1918. Also received DCMand MM, the only other major awards for gallantry open to non-commissioned officers.

Robert Alexander Laidlaw Businessman, philanthropist - founded Laidlaw Leeds, which evolved into the Farmers1885-1971 Trading Co. Ltd. Awarded OBE in 1955.

Bruce McLaren d.1979 Famous New Zealand motor racing driver.

Captain William John Newby Veteran of Garibaldi campaign, arrived in New Zealand in 1864 and joined the Waikatod.1934 Regiment.

Sergeant William Shepherd Awarded New Zealand Cross for part in New Zealand Wars.

William S. Swanson d.1903 Local politician and businessman involved with timber industry. Swanson township namedafter him.

Karl Joseph Wolfskehl d.1948 German/Jewish poet of international significance.

67 Compiled from research undertaken by Friends of Waikumete.



Notable Person Personal Details

Criminals

John Caffrey and Both men given the death sentence for murder - only one was responsible for the actualWilliam Penn d.1887 murder. Both men are rumoured to have been buried standing up.

Unusual

Peter William Scott 1919-1939 His epitaph reads "If everyone who drives a car or truck would heed the danger signs placedby the Highway Engineers, who also marked the lines to park cars and trucks from off theroad, to give the traffic space this poor boy would not now be resting in this place."

Peter Double 1919-1939 Accidentally killed with Peter Scott.

Patrick Henry Shine d.1939 Exhumed illegally by two Australians who burnt the body as part of an attempted insurancefraud.

Table Four: Summary of Archaeological Features of Waikumete Cemetery

Use of Waikumete Cemetery for Burials andCremations

Waikumete Cemetery was originally established to serve

the general burial needs of Auckland City. This included most

of the major religious denominations and a wide range of

cultural groups (refer Map 2, Appendix 15). The older parts of

the Cemetery reflect this variety where areas have been laid

out according to these groupings. As a result, the Cemetery is

recognised as a significant source of social and genealogical

information on the early history of Auckland.

Other cemeteries operating at the time were either very

small, some distance from the city and, therefore, not easily

accessible or they catered exclusively for specific denomina-

tions, such as Purewa.

Burials began in the eastern end of the Cemetery, as it

was the closest area to the then main entrance at Waikumete

Road adjacent to the railway station, the railway being the

main mode of transport for visitors, mourners and caskets.

Prior to 1923, when the first Crematorium was opened, the

Cemetery catered exclusively for burials.

The heavy death toll incurred by World War One saw the

development of the soldiers' area. The first area to be

developed was the area on the corner of Great North and

Glenview Roads.

In 1918-1919 following the end of the First World War,

there was a catastrophic outbreak of Spanish pneumonic

influenza that caused a large number of burials in a short

period of time. In the autumn of 1918 the disease spread

quickly from country to country, resulting in a heavy death toll.

An estimated twenty million people died worldwide, a greater

number than were killed in the war itself68. In New Zealand this

epidemic was recorded as the worst natural disaster to date.

The railway line to Waikumete station played an important role

in transporting the dead, particularly when the number of

deaths reached its peak in the third and fourth weeks of

November 1918. Auckland recorded the nation's highest death

toll of 1,68069. From 1-26 November there were 469 inter-

ments at Waikumete70.

In 1994 a report on Cemetery Requirements for Waitakere

City Council71 found that burials account for about 27% and

cremations for about 73% at Waikumete. This ratio, which had

trended towards cremations over the previous thirty years,

was still changing and expected to stabilise at around 20% :

70%. It is expected that this trend will continue, particularly

with the limited land that is available around Auckland for

cemetery purposes.

68 National Trust of Australia, 1995.69 Dave Pearson Architects Ltd, 1998, p.11-12.70 ACC City Engineer's Report to Mayor, 27 November 1918.71 M.B. Elliot, October 1994.



Interviews conducted for the above report with managers

of cemeteries operating crematoriums in the Auckland area,

found that less than half of the ashes from cremations are

interred or scattered in the cemeteries in which the cremations

are taking place. Relatives of the deceased are free to scatter,

inter, or store ashes according to the wishes of the deceased

or the preferences of those surviving. Within cemeteries now,

more options are available for disposal of ashes than for earth

burials. The options include ash plots, arboreta (interment of

ashes (contained) at the foot of memorial trees), niche walls,

and lawns for ash scattering72.

Today Waikumete is one of approximately seven public

cemeteries currently in operation in Auckland. It serves mainly

the burial and cremation needs of Waitakere City and the

central and western parts of Auckland City. It has strong

associations with a wide cross-section of religious denomina-

tions and ethnic groups, and has areas reserved for a number

of these denominations and groups. Some groups do not

accept cremation and opt for earth burials exclusively.

Waikumete has a significant area devoted to the com-

memoration of soldiers lost in various wars, including the two

major world wars, and the Vietnam and Korean conflicts. The

first soldiers' area was developed on the corner of Great North

and Glenview Roads at the end of the first World War. The

areas are laid out in the lawn style, with small flat stones and

standard crosses surrounded by grass. Some areas contain

plaques of marble or metal in the lawn style with the number,

rank, serial number and name of the serviceperson buried

there. Memorials have been erected for each of the aforemen-

tioned conflicts and the areas are maintained to a high

standard.

A small Urupa, or Maori burial ground, was established at

Waikumete in 1996. To date the Urupa has mainly been used

for Maori who have become disassociated with their whanau,

who are urban born and/or cannot afford to return their

deceased to their place of birth. It is important that this area is

maintained to a high standard and that certain protocols are

observed. These include the fencing and delineation of the

Urupa, as well as careful landscaping to ensure that only

certain species of native trees and plants are planted in the

area.

Natural History73

Flora Values

Waikumete Cemetery was established on the remnants of

kauri gumlands consisting of poorly drained clay soils with low

fertility. Auckland's climatic influences often result in the area

being very wet in winter and very dry in summer74. This, in

turn, influences the types of plant and animal species that

have established naturally or have been successfully planted

or released in the area. The naturally occurring plants and

animals within the Cemetery have been supplemented over

time by the introduction of many species of predominantly

exotic plants and trees and some animals. These combine to

give the area unique flora and fauna values within the

Auckland Region.

A total of 539 species of native and exotic vascular plant

species have been recorded from Waikumete Cemetery (175

native and 364 exotic - refer to Appendices 2-5). The list is

dominated by the large number of exotics that are either

naturalised, or in the case of the grave areas, were planted

there either as commemorative plantings or as part of the

overall landscaping of the Cemetery.

Waikumete Cemetery lies within the Tamaki Ecological

District, one of eight ecological districts in the Auckland

Ecological Region. The District encompasses much of the

Tamaki (Auckland City) Isthmus and its surrounding hills and

lowlands and is an area of highly modified landscapes. Its

original vegetation has been reduced to scattered remnants,

predominantly in gullies, where they have escaped the

ravages of fire and land clearance. Most areas of native

vegetation that do remain are, therefore, considered signifi-

cant.

The high degree of modification of the Waikumete

landscape also significantly influences the species diversity

and composition of native and exotic plants and animals found

72 M.B. Elliot, October 1994.73 Much of the information in this section was obtained from Whaley et al, 1999, de Lange and Norton, 2001, de Lange and Crowcroft, 2001, and

Waitakere City Council, 1998.74 Submission by Friends of Waikumete to Waikumete Conservation Plan, 1998.



within the Cemetery. Many native species in particular are

highly susceptible to displacement by more aggressive and

invasive exotic species. This is particularly the case with

native flora in areas where there has been ongoing distur-

bance. Examples include fires in the gumland areas, and

areas where successive clearing and/or deposition of grave

spoil in gullies has hastened the establishment and spread of

invasive weed species such as hakea and climbing asparagus.

These same fires also, however, promote conditions for the

many uncommon and threatened gumland plants found in

Waikumete Cemetery. The open areas following fire are

quickly colonised by these native orchids and grasses,

however, without weed control the invasive exotic weeds

quickly grow and smother the smaller natives.

The Gaden Stream and several of its tributaries flow

through the Cemetery. These tributaries flow into the Wairau

Creek, which is part of the Whau River. Associated with the

stream and its tributaries, which are predominantly soft-

bottomed (muddy), are a number of wetlands. Together these

watercourses and wetlands support aquatic insects, freshwa-

ter fish and native plant species. A number of the tributaries

virtually dry up over summer, but there are a number of

wetlands in Parade Gully which have weirs impeding their

water flow, so they are always wet.

The practice of dumping grave spoil and other rubbish in

the heads of the gullies has contributed significantly to the

muddy and soft bottomed nature of many of the streams'

pools and associated wetlands. It increases the stress on the

stream when it rains and inhibits the colonisation of these

streams by stoneflies, mayflies and some caddis flies, robbing

them and many of the other more sensitive aquatic macro-

invertebrates of anchoring points, food supplies, and clogging

their gills. Sediment also destroys the algal films that are

grazed by some aquatic macro-invertebrates. This, combined

with poorly designed stormwater and overland flow runoff

systems, has also affected overall water quality in the stream.

Native Flora

The Cemetery site in pre-human times would have

originally supported kauri forest on ridges, kauri-podocarp/

broad-leaved forests on upper slopes, and podocarp/broad-

leaved forest on lower slopes and along stream terraces, with

wetlands in damp gully bottoms.

These forests had probably largely gone by the early

1800's. Based on the observations of early missionary and

botanist William Colenso and other explorers of the time, the

land that Waikumete Cemetery now occupies was already

covered in gumland scrub (a vegetation type dominated by

manuka, kanuka and the cyperaceous genera Baumea,

Gaden Stream



Schoenus, Tetraria and Lepidosperma75) during the 1840's76.

Whether this vegetation type was fire induced, or the natural

consequence of the gradual podzolisation of the underlying

soils has not been determined77. By 1886 when the Cemetery

was established, the vegetation remaining was mainly burnt

gumland scrub dominated by manuka, "pitted with holes left

by casual gum diggers"78, with occasional kauri, podocarp and

broad-leaved trees in the eastern gullies. Burning of the

gumland areas has continued within the Cemetery, possibly

initially as a management tool, and more recently as a result

of arson.

Irrespective of the origin of the vegetation type,

Waikumete has long been recognised as an important place to

view gumland scrub, with its attendant unusual assemblage of

small herbs, grasses, orchids and ferns79. Although much of

the Cemetery has been cleared of gumland vegetation, many

small pockets of this vegetation type have either recolonised

or persist amongst the graves. Associated with these gumland

remnants are various indigenous orchids, grasses, herbs and

ferns, many of them regionally scarce80, while several are also

listed as nationally threatened81.

Rimu, totara, tanekaha, kahikatea, oaks, gums and other

trees were planted in the late 19th and 20th centuries. One of

the most significant plantings of native trees was that associ-

ated with Charles Craig who planted 500 native trees in the

1930's. The cairn was for the wife of Samuel Craig. This

planting is located in the gully between Watsonia Way and

Crocus Road.

Eight of the native plants recorded within the Cemetery

are threatened and a further two are uncommon82 (refer to

Appendix 16 Rare plants list) ; the regionally vulnerable gum

grass (Dichelachne inaequiglumis), the regionally declining

native paspalum (Paspalum orbiculare), the regionally sparse

native orchid (Caladenia atradenia), the regionally uncommon

midge orchid (Genoplesium pumilium), the regionally declining

native orchid (Pterostylis tasmanica), the regionally vulnerable

blue sun orchid (Thelymitra aemula), the regionally declining

sun orchid (Thelymitra tholiformis), the regionally uncommon

spotted sun orchid (Thelmytra aff. ixioides), the regionally

vulnerable native oxtongue (Picris burbidgei), and the

regionally declining small-flowered bindweed (Calystegia

marginata). In addition, the nationally rare pygmy clubmoss

75 Rumball & Esler 1975.76 Dieffenbach 1843, Colenso 1844, Beever 1981.77 de Lange and Crowcroft 2001.78 Esler and Haines, 1996.79 Braggins 1974.80 de Lange et al 1999b.81 de Lange et al 1999a.82 de Lange et al 1999b.

Gumland scrub



(Phylloglossum drumondii) and the critical (probably extinct)

dwarf green orchid (Pterostylis puberula) are now presumed

extinct from the Cemetery83.

In addition to these regionally threatened and/or uncom-

mon species which were found in the Cemetery during

surveys undertaken, a further seventeen native orchids were

recorded in the Cemetery, being Caladenia alata (the southern

limit of the species), Caladenia bartlettii, Caladenia

chlorostyla, Cheeseman's helmet orchid (Corybas

cheesemanii), spider orchid (Corybus oblongus), potato

orchid/perei (Gastrodia aff. sesamoides), onion leaved orchid

(Microtis aff. parviflora), onion leaved orchid (Microtis unifolia),

grassland orchid (Orthoceras novae-zelandiae), kauri green

hood (Pterostylis agathicola), trowel-leaved green hood

(Pterostylis trullifolia), Pterostylis aff. graminea, pink sun

orchid (Thelymitra carnea), sun orchid (Thelymitra colensoi),

sun orchid (Thelymitra pulchella), sun orchid (Thelymitra aff.

longifolia), blue sun orchid (Thelymitra aff. pauciflora).

Four main predominantly native vegetation types have

been identified within the Cemetery and adjacent to Singer

Park, within which there are a number of variations, depending

on the age of the vegetation, degree of exotic tree invasion,

canopy composition, etc.

Manuka Gumland Scrub

The manuka shrublands on the poor clay soils within

Waikumete Cemetery are a regionally significant botanical

feature. Although once widespread around Auckland, this type

of vegetation (gumlands) has now mainly been cleared for

housing or has matured past this ecological stage. Apart from

the North Shore, these are the closest and most extensive

native shrublands to central Auckland84.

83 de Lange and Crowcroft 2001.84 Auckland Botanical Society submission to Waikumete Management Plan, 1998.

Regionally rare Paspalum oriculare Regionally uncommon spotted sun orchid



Gumland vegetation with manuka (Leptospermum

scoparium) as the dominant native species is extensive in the

western parts of the Cemetery, and to a much lesser extent in

other areas throughout the Cemetery. Few pure manuka

stands remain as a result of the spread of invasive species

such as hakea, acacia, pine and eucalypt. These species are

persistent in that they will remain and spread further unless

managed. They pose differing levels of threat to the ecological

values of the manuka scrub. The taller species such as pines

and eucalypt threaten to shade out the manuka and change

the vegetation structure. Hakea can crowd out the manuka

and other native species.

Two species of hakea are present in the area. Needlebush

(Hakea sericea) is a serious weed in the shrublands of

northern New Zealand because of its dense growth and rapid

spread85. It is able to produce seed when 4-6 years old and

retains a large seed bank in its crown, which allows it to

capitalise disturbed areas quickly after fire86. Regular fires

throughout much of the gumland vegetation have ensured its

continued presence. It is also a fire hazard, maintaining dead

lower branches that catch and suspend litter.

Willow-leaved hakea (Hakea salicifolia) does not rely on

fire for much of its establishment. Instead it regularly releases

seeds that germinate quickly and capitalise on any open or

disturbed area (creating a seedlings bank).

Early aerial photographs dating back to 1940 reveal that

the western gumland gully system once extended from

Waitakere View Road to Great North Road. Gradual clearance

for further Cemetery development has reduced it to its present

extent. Very recent clearance is evident along the northern

margin, along with piles of grave spoil and windblown rubbish.

The infertile podzolised soils that cover most of the

Cemetery, combined with its frequent fire history, have

probably induced and maintained the variety of gumland

species on these sites. These include Gahnia setifolia,

kumerahou (Pomaderris kumeraho), and P. phylicifolia var.

ericifolia, grass tree (Dracophyllum sinclairii (only a few plants

recorded), dwarf cabbage tree (Cordyline pumilio), lancewood

(Pseudopanax crassifolius), and akepiro (Olearia furfuracea

(uncommon)).

The often sparse ground layer has the sedges

Lepidosperma laterale, Schoenus tendo, S. brevifolius, and

Baumea teretifolia, and tangle fern (Gleichenia dicarpa),

Lindsaea linearis, and club moss (Lycopodium

deuterodensum). A number of species of ground orchids that

thrive in frequently disturbed environments are also present,

including the regionally sparse Caladenia atradenia,

Caladenia bartletii, Caladenia chlorostyla, Corybus

cheesemanii, Corybus oblongus, Gastrodia aff. sesamoides,

the regionally uncommon midge orchid (Genoplesium

pumilium), kauri green hood (Pterostylis agathicola), the

regionally declining Pterostylis tasmanica, trowel-leaved hood

orchid (Pterostylis trullifolia), Pterostylis aff. graminea, the

regionally vulnerable blue sun orchid (Thelymitra aemula), sun

85 Webb et al, 1988 in Whaley et al, 1999, p.40.86 Williams 1992b in Whaley et al, 1999, p.40.

Kumeraho a typical gumland plant in Waikumete



orchid (Thelymitra pulchella), the regionally declining sun

orchid (Thelymitra tholiformis), the sun orchid Thelymitra aff.

longifolia and blue sun orchid (Thlymitra aff. pauciflora).

The northern gumland vegetation drains the hill top that

forms the western boundary of Waikumete Cemetery and

includes an area now known as Sunhill Scenic Reserve,

bordered by Sunnyside and Awaroa Roads. The ridge tops of

this area are vegetated in dense manuka and kanuka, and

possibly because the vegetation is so dense it seems to

provide little orchid habitat, with only occasional specimens of

the orchids Caladenia atradenia, Caladenia chlorostyla, and

Pterostylis aff. graminea. These species become more

common within the southern portion of the area, between

Amber Crescent, Waitakere View Road and the dirt track

leading to the water tower. In this area are significant

populations of Caladenia atradenia, Caladenis chlorostyla,

Pterostylis aff. graminea, Thelymitra aemula, Thelymitra

colensoi, Thelymitra aff. pauciflora and the occasional

Thelymitra tholiformis and Thelymitra aff. ixiodes.

The southern gumland has been considerably more

disturbed than the northern gumland - by human activity such

as mountain biking and by fire caused by sparks from the

railway, and, particularly over the last ten years, arson. In

particular the most recently burned areas support large

populations of Caladenia atradenia, Thelymitra aemula,

Thelymitra carnea, Thelymitra tholiformis, Thelymitra aff.

ixioides, and Thelymitra aff. longifolia, and the only known

habitat for Caladenia alata, Caladenia bartlettii, Genoplesium

pumilum and Pterstylis tasmanica. Much of the remaining

gumland area contains a diverse mosaic of successional

vegetation, as well as wattle forest and large areas dominated

by pampas grass. Aside from the dense pampas infestations,

the taller scrub and the wattle forest provides the only known

Waikumete habitat for Corybas cheesemanii, Corybus

oblongus, Pterostylis agathicola, Pterostylis trullifolia, and

Calystegia marginata. It is also the main habitat for Pterstylis

aff. graminea and the saprophytic orchid Gastrocia aff.

sesamoides in the Cemetery. Weed issues remain the main

threat to these unique native plants.

These gumland associations are considered rare in the

Auckland Region and the remaining tracts within Waikumete

have been identified as the most significant area of gumland

vegetation remaining in the Waitakere area of the Tamaki

Ecological District. The presence of the large populations of

Caladenia atradenia and Calystegia marginata at its current

extant southern limit makes Waikumete Cemetery nationally

significant87.

Orchid

The two main gumland areas differ in the species they

support and the degree of weed invasion, with the northern

gumland having less weed invasion and more dense gumland

vegetation, while the southern gumland is extensive weed

invaded, but supports the greater numbers and variety of

orchids and other uncommon native plants.

87 de Lange and Crowcroft, 2001.



Mamaku Treefernland

This unit occurs in the gullies amongst the other scrub and

forest types. Silverfern (Cyathea dealbata) and mamaku C.

medullaris are the dominant canopy species. A range of

species make up the low canopy/understorey and include

mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), mapou (Myrsine australis),

shining karamu (Coprosma lucida), hangehange (Geniostoma

rupestre), mingimingi (Leucopogon fasciculatus), Cordyline

banksii, heketara (Olearia rani), fivefinger (Pseudopanax

arboreus), and garden hybrid Pseudopanax spp. The ground

layer is sparse and includes Oplismenus imbecillus, hook

grass (Uncinia spp.), Nertera dichondrifolia, kiokio (Blechnum

novaezealandiae), and Carex spp.

Conifer Forest

The gullies in the eastern part of the Cemetery are

dominated by what are now very natural looking stands of

podocarps, kauri and broad-leaved species. A number of these

gullies were planted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries

with rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), totara (Podocarpus

totara), tanekaha (Phyllocladus trichmanoides), and kahikatea

(Dacrycarpus dacrydiodes), with subsequent planting of puriri

(Vitex lucens) rewarewa (Knightia excelsa), pukatea (Laurelia

novae-zelandiae), and pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa)88 .

However, aerial photographs taken in the 1940's reveal a

number of older podocarps and kauri that are likely to have

been present in the area at the time the Cemetery was

established, indicating that remnants of the original forest may

still remain.

Other native species present in the canopies that have

either been planted or colonised naturally include small-leaved

kowhai (Sophora microphylla), nikau (Rhopalostylis sapida),

and titoki (Alectyron excelsus).

These gully forests now have well developed sub-canopy

and understorey tiers that are substantially or solely native

and include hangehange, mapou, karamu (Coprosma

robusta), silverfern, pigeonwood (Hedycarpa arborea),

ramarama (Lophomyrtus bullata), mahoe, garden hybrid

(Pseudopanax spp., Coprosma rhamnoides), and mamangi

(C. arborea). There is also notable podocarp and kauri

regeneration.

Wetlands

There are a number of wetlands in the Cemetery. Most are

found in the damp gully bottoms with one being contained

within a seepage area beside Amber Crescent. Many have

high numbers of invasive weeds including willow, weedy

umbrella sedges (Cyperus spp.), kahili ginger, Japanese

honeysuckle and pampas. In a number of areas these species

are choking the waterways and are the dominant species in

the understorey. Seeds and fragments of these species are

easily dispersed by birds and washed downstream to colonise

other areas.

Native species present include raupo, harakeke

(Phormium tenax), Baumea rubignosa, Carex lessoniana, C.

virgata, and pink-flowered bindweed (Calystegia sepium).

Burial Areas

In addition to the native vegetation types found within the

Cemetery, a number of native plants are found within the

burial areas of the Cemetery, particularly the older areas.

Native orchids and grasses in particular can be found in the

less weed infested burial areas and these are the main

habitats for the regionally vulnerable gum grass (Dichelachne

inaequilumis), the regionally declining native paspalum

(Paspalum obiculare) and the regionally vulnerable native

oxtongue (Picris burbidgei). In addition the orchids Microtis aff.

parviflora, Microtis unifolia, Thelymitra carnea, Thelymitra

colensoi, Thelymitra aff. longifolia and Thelymitra aff.

Pauciflora.

Exotic Flora

The highly modified nature of the Cemetery, as a result of

early land clearance, grazing and the development of

surrounding land for residential subdivision, has seen many of

the native plants and animals displaced by introduced species.

These include species planted as part of the development of

the Cemetery and for commemorative plantings as well as

undesirable wind and bird dispersed species such as pampas

and woolly nightshade.

A number are recognised as wildflowers and are actively

managed in some parts of the Cemetery, but a number are

identified as invasive and environmentally damaging. They are

88 Cameron, 1988.



causing significant and sometimes irreversible damage to

graves and monuments in the older parts of the Cemetery, as

well as displacing native species in some areas such as gully

bottoms and bush edges. Some species, such as the

Eleaganus hedge, are of both historic interest and an

ecological threat and need to be carefully managed.

Environmentally Damaging Plants

The Ecological survey undertaken for this Plan identified

that Waikumete Cemetery and the adjacent Singer Park are

home to many of the most invasive and troublesome herba-

ceous and woody weed species found within the Auckland

Region. These include 9 of the 13 pre-eminent weeds of the

Auckland Region89 (refer Appendix 3 - Weed Species Present

in Waikumete) that have also been identified as environmen-

tally damaging plants in the Waitakere District Plan.

Most of these species are also national and regional

surveillance plant pests, as identified by the ARC Pest

Management Strategy and National Pest Management

Strategy. Collectively they prevent and/or severely limit the

establishment of native seedlings and/or kill host plants, which

in the long term leads to a change in the overall structure and

composition of native communities. Species identified are all

terrestrial. No aquatic weeds were found to be present in the

Gaden Stream and its associated wetlands.

A range of problem weeds have invaded the extensive

areas of native shrubland in the western parts of the Cemetery

and Singer Park. These include Australian species such as

Eucalyptus spp., willow-leaved hakea (Hakea salicifolia) and

wattle species such as black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) and

brush wattle (Paraserianthes lophantha). These species, some

of which require fire to release their seeds, now dominate the

canopy in places.

Pampas (Cortaderia jubata and C. selloana) is also a

problem weed in these secondary communities as it is able to

recover rapidly after fire from burnt tiller bases, forming thick

impenetrable clumps. Gorse (Ulex europaeus) also regenerates

rapidly in these communities after fire, but is not considered a

serious threat as it can eventually be overtopped by manuka

and is a good nursery crop for young native seedlings. Other

species such as bone-seed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) also

capitalise on the disturbed/open areas created by fire.

In gullies, stream sides and wetland areas, kahili ginger

(Hedychium gardenerianum - local very dense swards),

willows (Salix spp. - associated with wetlands), kikuyu grass

(Pennisetum clandestinum), pampas, and bulbil watsonia

(Watsonia bulbillifera) are often found growing together in the

understorey and margins. In some of these areas these

species are the dominant cover.

The worst of the ground cover weeds in these communi-

ties are wandering Jew (Tradescantia fluminensis), Mexican

daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus), Selaginella kraussiana,

mistflower (Ageratina riparia - local in eastern gullies) and

tuber ladder fern (Nepholepis cordifolia).

These areas also contain a number of species of problem

lianes, some of which are rapidly creating a dense canopy

"carpet" in some areas of the Cemetery. Species include

climbing asparagus (Asparagus scandens), Ivy (Hedera spp.

Helix), moth plant (Araujia sericifera), and Japanese honey-

suckle (Lonicera japonica).

The most invasive of the woody weeds present in gully

canopies/sub-canopies include Sydney golden wattle (Acacia

longifolia), black wattle, silver poplar (Populus alba), maritime

and radiata pines, monkey apple (Acmena smithii), tree privet

(Ligustrum lucidum), Chinese privet (L. sinense) and woolly

nightshade (Solanum mauritianum).

Problem weed trees also exist in amenity plantings

throughout the Cemetery. In particular, mature trees of

monkey apple (a national surveillance plant pest and identified

as a threat to all types of forests and shrublands) need to be

removed. This species, with its widely bird-dispersed seeds

and ability to regenerate in shaded environments, is invading

many of the natural areas within the Cemetery. This is

particularly evident in some of the gullies where carpets of

seedlings are present and saplings and young trees are

common in the sub-canopy/understorey.

89 Whaley et al, 1999.



Phoenix palm, present as mature individuals in the

eastern part of the Cemetery and in the soldiers' area, are

also potentially invasive and need better management.

Removal or poisoning of the female palms will prevent the

continued spread of this species. Young palms are already

well established in the old grave areas and several were

recorded in the understorey of the gully that runs from Crocus

Road to Watsonia Road. Appropriate alternatives that also

provide fruit for native birds would be puriri, matai, kahikatea

and totara.

Another potentially troublesome tree is an Australian

Leptopspermum species present in Azalea Gully and now

established in the gully understorey. This species potentially

has similar habitat and life cycle requirements to manuka and

as a result may compete with manuka in the gumland

environments.

Wildflower Sanctuary

A significant part of the uniqueness of the developed parts

of Waikumete is the existence of a diverse range of natural-

ised wildflowers (refer Appendix 6: Wildflowers in Waikumete,

for detailed species list). This is the largest collection of these

plants in the world outside their home countries. These

wildflower varieties, mainly from Southern Africa, account for

about 60 of the exotic plant species recorded within the

Cemetery. They produce flowers on a regular basis, with

spring being the most prolific flowering season. Bulbed or

cormed monocots also flower at this time. These include

snowflake (Leucojum aestivum), Freesia refracta, Sparaxis

tricolor and Tritonia lineata. The most common species found

in the Cemetery are Ixia polystacha, Sparaxis bulbifera,

Babiana stricta, Watsonia meriana, Watsonia borbonica and

Romulea sp. In addition, less common species found in the

Cemetery include Naples onion (Allium neapolitanum) (seen

only once), and Ixia paniculata (not seen for some time).

Many of these varieties are either the relics of weeds of

the English countryside (meadow plants), the progeny of

garden ornamentals90 planted on and around the graves in the

older parts of the Cemetery, or planned plantings as part of

the development of the Cemetery. Species such as ixias,

watsonia, oxalis, old-fashioned roses, English roadside

grasses, periwinkle and ivy were particularly popular as grave

plantings in the 19th century. It is important to maintain

representative samples of these collections as they make a

significant contribution to the Cemetery's visual and nostalgic

quality.

Many of these species have now become naturalised and

have spread over the older part of the Cemetery. They can be

identified in many areas from Narcissus Drive to Glenview

Road, except the mown areas in the northeast corner from the

Jewish area (refer Map 4, Appendix 15). In spring and early

summer when the wildflowers are in bloom they provide one of

the finest displays of wildflowers in New Zealand91.

In recognition of the botanical significance of these

wildflowers, an area of one hectare in the southeast corner of

the Cemetery was set aside in 1993 as a Wildflower Sanctu-

ary. The Friends of Waikumete have an agreement with the

Cemetery Manager to manage the sanctuary, which consists

mainly of a targeted weed removal and mowing programme

90 Cameron et al, 1997.91 Cameron et al, 1997.

Wildflower sanctuary



over the summer months aimed at controlling species such as

bulbil watsonia and pampas that are considered invasive.

Bulbil watsonia is a particular problem as a result of its dense

growing form and the quantity of seed nodules that each

flower head produces.

Some of the best examples of a number of species are

outside the sanctuary and can be found along both sides of

Daffodil Drive in Wesleyan C, Presbyterian B & C, and Non

Conformist B. This, along with the relative significance of the

number of species and extent of wildflowers in the Cemetery,

provides a compelling argument to extend the Wildflower

Sanctuary.

Heritage Trees and Commemorative Plantings

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries a number of the

gullies in the Cemetery were planted with native trees

including rimu, totara, tanekaha, ponga and kahikatea. These

are now sizeable trees that have a good native understorey. In

places this understorey forms a continuous native corridor

through the Cemetery. Early aerial photographs (1940) reveal

that many of these podocarps were planted in regular lines

along the gullies. The most significant of these plantings,

planted in 1935 by Charles Craig, is located in the gully

between Freesia Road and Crocus Lane and includes all of

the species mentioned above. There are large numbers of

seedlings establishing themselves as well as a variety of

understorey species.

In addition to native plantings there have also been a

number of plantings of exotic species. These include the

plantings of macrocarpa and eucalyptus in 1918 and other

later plantings associated with the development of areas of

the Cemetery.

One of the most significant exotic plantings is that of

various eucalypt species (refer Appendix 7: Eucalypt Species

Present in Waikumete Cemetery, for species list), many of

which were planted as shelter belts prior to the Cemetery

opening in 1886. The gumland clay soils found in Waikumete

Historic eucalyts

Eucalypts

Historic eucalyts



are well suited to eucalypts, especially stringybarks (E.

eugenioides, E. obliqua, E. capitellata) and blackbutts (E.

pilularis). The 28 species of eucalypt recorded in the Cemetery

make the Waikumete collection one of the most diverse

collections in New Zealand92, and include a number of

eucalypt species that are considered to be rare.

It is important that the heritage plantings are clearly

identified, as a number of the eucalypt species have self-

seeded in other areas of the Cemetery. Of particular concern

are the ones that are present in areas such as the native

gumlands. Eucalypts in these areas can potentially alter or

threaten the long term viability of these areas by directly

competing with native gumland species, by accumulating

masses of flammable dead leaves and bark around their

bases, and possibly by producing allelopathic (chemical

substances that act as growth inhibitors) that could prevent

the establishment of native species near them.

Any further native amenity plantings should be made of

appropriate species (i.e. from the gumland or lowland

podocarp/kauri/broadleaved or podocarp/broadleaved forest

species lists in Bellingham (1997)). If possible they should

also be eco-sourced from within the Auckland Ecological

Region. Non-native amenity plantings need to be undertaken

with care to avoid the introduction of species that may become

invasive in the future. It is intended that the Landscape and

Enhancement Plan will include a list of suitable species.

Fauna Values

The ecological survey undertaken for this Plan included

surveys of herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians such as

lizards and frogs), freshwater fish and terrestrial invertebrates.

Over a thousand specimens were collected during the course

of the survey (refer Appendix 8: Fauna in Waikumete). The

species identified indicated that the fauna of the Cemetery

and the adjoining Singer Park are typical of disturbed habitats

in the Auckland Region, particularly as they relate to disturbed

areas of 'bush'.

There is a lower bio-diversity than in comparable fauna

samples of native forest in, for example, the Waitakere

Ranges. For some species the level of diversity may also have

been affected by the dry conditions experienced with collect-

ing techniques, such as direct observations at night, as many

insect species prefer the humidity before rain.

Insect Fauna

The passionvine hopper (Scolypopa australis) was

particularly abundant and was recorded as feeding on many

hosts. This insect was noted on some dying karamu and

together with the grey planthopper (Sephena cinera), associ-

ated with lesions on raupo leaves. Many of the small fly

species found are common varieties with wide distribution and

breed in decaying vegetation, marshy areas or grassland.

Populations of a number of biological control agents were

also found in the Cemetery. These included the gorse spider

mite (which causes intense webbing of gorse - since this mite

was only recently introduced to the Waitakere region, this

record is considered significant), and gorse seed weevils

(Apion ulicis whose larvae feed in developing gorse seeds)

which were also found to be abundant. The plant bug (Lopus

decolor) was also found. This species has only once been

recorded previously in New Zealand in the Cavalli Islands off

the Northland coast.

Soil Fauna

Approximately 10,000 individual invertebrates were

collected during the course of the ecological survey. There are

large numbers of species and individuals of Acari (mites),

Collembola (springtails), Pseudoscorpiones (false scorpions),

Coleoptera (beetles), significant numbers of Diplopoda

(millipedes), Isopoda (woodlice), and Amphipoda

(sandhoppers). The number of Carabidae (ground beetles)

collected was low, indicating reduced environmental health. It is

possible that this could also be related to the time of year the

survey was undertaken, which was following a drought summer.

Herpetofauna

Only a limited number of species were found. Stick insects

and katydids were common. No lizard species were found.

One copper skink (Cyclodina aenea) was found in a litter

sample collected near the stream at the eastern (Great North

Road) boundary. These are the most common skinks found in

Auckland gardens. Consideration needs to be given to

undertaking regular herpetofauna surveys in the Cemetery, as

92 M.D. Wilcox, 1998.



their abundance is a good overall measure of ecosystem

health and diversity.

Freshwater Fish

Two surveys for freshwater fish were undertaken during

the time that the Conservation Plan was being prepared. The

first was undertaken as part of the general ecological survey

undertaken by Field Studies93 in the summer of 1999.

McGlynn undertook a follow-up survey in May 199994. Both

surveys identified concerns with the practice of dumping grave

spoil into the gullies above survey sites. This practice needs to

be discontinued as it leads to sedimentation in stream beds

and alters the chemical composition of the water itself, leading

to changes in both habitat and species composition. Concerns

were also expressed about bank stability around the newly

constructed pathway at Amber Crescent, where the material

next to the banks was found to be loose and in need of cover

to stop it eroding into the stream.

The initial survey sampled pools in Amber Crescent Gully,

Azalea Gully, and pools adjacent to Parade Road and Freesia

Road. Water is typically slow flowing and frequently weed-

infested. Three species of fish were positively identified, being

banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus), long-finned eel (Anguilla

haracterize), and red-finned bully (Gobiomorphus huttoni). The

most common species were red-finned bully and banded

kokopu, with large numbers of shrimp (Paratya sp.) and

freshwater crayfish (Paremeophrops planifrons) also recorded.

The second survey ranged over 6 different locations and

19 discrete sites within the Cemetery and included all the

areas initially surveyed above. Significant numbers of banded

93 Whaley et al, 1999.94 McGlynn, 1999.

Aerial view of gumland vegetation



kokopu were found, with the highest densities recorded in the

bottom pool below Parade Road and also in the bush

catchment between Freesia Road and Crocus Lane. Sizes

ranged from 46mm to 196mm. The age range was biased

towards juvenile fish and several large adults were gravid (in

egg), indicating that breeding is occurring within the leaf litter

and vegetation alongside stream banks. These results identify

that the Cemetery is an important refuge for this native galaxid

species and every attempt should be made to maintain these

areas in a manner that continues to provide a viable breeding

habitat for them.

It is also significant that high numbers of koura (native

freshwater crayfish) were recorded. This species is a key

indicator of stream health as they are particularly susceptible

to siltation and chemical loading. The number of koura

observed during the second survey was quite high compared

to other more natural areas such as Northland's East Coast.

Giant kokopu have been recorded downstream of the

Cemetery. It is possible that this species may be present in the

Cemetery or, if not, that it could recolonise with habitat

improvements.

The riparian margins of many of the sites surveyed were

inundated with invasive weed species. Of particular concern

were wandering Jew, kahili ginger, mistflower, pampas and

climbing asparagus. Collectively these species alter and

displace watercourses when not rigorously controlled.

Watercourses become matted and overgrown, resulting in

very shallow and frequently eutrophic conditions that lead to

the eventual loss of fish habitat. Any weed control should be

undertaken with care as cleared banks will be more prone to

erosion and silt run off.

The overhanging banks and vegetation cover that

characterise the stream are prime habitat for many native fish

species such as banded kokopu. However, it is also important

to ensure that there is sufficient water flow and access down

to the sea to cater for the full life cycle of this species. Banded

kokopu appear to require elevated flows for the eggs to be re-

immersed and hatch. Once hatched, the young go to sea and

then return about 100 days later. Although they are reasonable

climbers, it is important that every effort is made to give the

fish unimpeded access to and from the sea.

In addition to weed control and revegetation, existing

streamside maintenance programmes being undertaken at the

Cemetery need to ensure that shaded pools are maintained

throughout the entire catchment. This is particularly important

if fish are to survive in summer and/or during periods of low

flow. Vegetated margins are also important in order to

maintain viable populations of species such as banded

kokopu, which are intolerant of high water temperatures (i.e.

above 20°C).

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

Aquatic macroinvertebrates include all those lower species

of animals such as snails, worms, crustaceans and mayflies.

They are an important component of a self-sustaining

environment and collectively, in aquatic environments, are

highly reliable indicators of environmental health.

Populations in Gaden Stream and its wetlands were found

to be characteristically low. In a number of the sites surveyed,

species collected were predominantly made up of inverte-

brates that are tolerant of low oxygen levels and organic

enrichment. These included chironomids, small crustacea

(such as koura), and the common water snail (Potamopyrgus).

Grey warbler



Bird Life

Most of the native bird species found within the frag-

mented habitats remaining within the Cemetery are either

highly adaptable and/or mobile. These include tui, silvereye,

grey warbler and fantail, all of which have been regularly

observed within the Cemetery. However, introduced birds such

as sparrows, magpies, thrushes, mynas and blackbirds

contribute most of the avian diversity and abundance in many

of the Cemetery's natural areas. Grassland areas, particularly

in the older parts of the Cemetery, are a favoured habitat for

pheasants and quail.

In order to maintain this level of species diversity it is

important to maintain a variety of habitats and food sources,

ranging from the vegetated bush gullies to the tall grass and

weed areas in the older parts of the Cemetery. Continued

revegetation programmes should also be encouraged.

Animal Pests

In an area as large as Waikumete, with its diverse range

of habitats, it is highly likely that there are resident populations

of noxious animals. Rats are known to nest in the dense

heads of phoenix palms. Rabbits are also present and have

the potential to damage graves in the older parts of the

Cemetery with their burrowing. A black rabbit is a particular

favourite of many regular visitors to the Cemetery.

Possum sign has been observed in Watsonia Way Gully.

The presence of many old trees as well as bushed gullies

provide a wealth of sleeping, feeding and breeding places for

possums. Stoats and ferrets may also be present. Periodic

checks need to be undertaken to determine the effects that

any of these species may be having. Permanent bait stations

for possums and rats may well be worth considering in some

of the older parts of the Cemetery where the presence of

these species is known.



Cultural Heritage Assessment95

General Approach

The cultural significance of a place, object or building

comes from an appreciation of its physical character and from

an understanding of its associations over time with persons

and events. The collective analysis of all of these features

provides a measure of the nature and scope of its signifi-

cance. In the case of Waikumete Cemetery this involves an

analysis of the overall significance of the place as well as the

contribution to that significance made by its many individual

parts.

The value of Waikumete does not rest with one period

alone, but rather in an accretion of artefacts, structures and

landscapes over the whole span of its development. In

addition, each denominational portion of the Cemetery and

the old Crematorium site, in whole or part, could stand alone

as having cultural significance on an aesthetic, scientific,

social or historic basis.

While the historic portions of the Cemetery have consider-

able cultural heritage values, the entire Cemetery has wider

contextual significance as the second largest cemetery in the

Southern Hemisphere.

Method of Assessment

Primary evidence has been gathered from site investiga-

tions in which the quality and condition of the various parts of

the site have been noted on base plans compiled from aerial

photos and plans. Discussions have been held with individu-

als and organisations interested in the site. There has been

no intervention in the site fabric as part of the assessment.

Photographs were taken as a record during the investigation.

Assessment of Cultural Heritage Values

The general approach used is adapted from the method

proposed in J.S. Kerr's Conservation Plan with reference to

the ICOMOS NZ Charter. This Charter defines an item of

cultural heritage value as "possessing historical, archaeologi-

cal, architectural, technological, aesthetic, scientific, spiritual,

social, traditional, or other special cultural significance

associated with human activity".

Primary criteria for assessment of the cultural significance

have been developed with reference to Cemeteries: Our

Heritage by the National Trust of Australia, 1992. These

criteria examine heritage values as expressed under a range

of headings including the following:

� Historical / associational

� Archaeological

� Social

� Artistic or creative

� Scientific or technological

� Architectural design

� Genealogical

� Religious

� Setting

� Landscape

� Botanical

� Representativeness

The study considered it especially relevant to include the

"associations" criterion proposed by J.S. Kerr because of the

involvement of people or organisations in the development of

the site, and especially the self-evident associations over time

with the lives of those interred in the Cemetery.

P A R T T H R E E :

C U L T U R A L H E R I T A G E S I G N I F I C A N C E

95 Much of the information in this section is from Clough and Associates, 1999.


Every grave and every memorial is an intrinsically

significant heritage feature. Each section of the Cemetery,

although determined by administrative convenience, may be

significant for its association with a section of living society,

but is otherwise undifferentiated in its heritage value. Every

part of the site has, by definition, cultural heritage significance.

There are a number of discrete features within the

Cemetery that have evident individual significance due to their

architectural and aesthetic qualities, rather than association

with individuals or events. These include the Sexton's Cottage,

the Chapel, the Crematorium, and the north-east Gates.

Although the range of items to which individual

significance can be ascribed is very small, their collective

significance is high. Waikumete Cemetery is itself an artefact,

being made up of a very large number of distinct elements to

which it is neither practicable nor proper to attach individual

importance.

Statement of Cultural Heritage Significance

Waikumete Cemetery was established as an alternative to

the spatially limited Symonds Street Cemetery. Opened in

1886, it now provides a significant historic, cultural, natural

and aesthetic resource.

Historical / Associational Significance

Waikumete Cemetery was established as a result of the

need to provide for additional burial space to cater for the

growing needs of early Auckland and the inability of Symonds

Street Cemetery to be able to expand due to pressures on

surrounding land for housing.

It is the second largest cemetery in the Southern Hemi-

sphere and the largest cemetery in New Zealand. Waikumete

provides an insight into the evolving ethnic and religious

composition of Auckland over the last century and, as such, is

a tangible manifestation of the social history of Auckland,

documenting the cultural and religious diversity of the New

Zealand community since 1886. Individuals of all denomina-

tions are buried here, including some of Auckland's early

pioneers and founding families, political leaders, industrialists,

poets, soldiers and sports people. Their epitaphs represent an

important social and historical record.

Waikumete may also have been, in its early days, the only

cemetery in the country to be so heavily dependant on rail

transport that it had its own railway station (this requires

further investigation).

Design/Technical

The outstanding aesthetic quality of Waikumete's monu-

mental masonry is part of a set of monumental masonry

without parallel elsewhere in New Zealand. This includes cast

and wrought-iron work and other types of craftsmanship as

fine examples of craft processes reflecting social attitudes to

death and fashion in funerary ornamentation since 1886.

Many of these masonry techniques are no longer practiced

and, as a result, the Cemetery plays an important role as a

museum of monumental masonry.

Constructed features include the Mortuary Chapel and

associated buildings (Sexton's House), Mausoleums and

memorials, which are examples of design and architectural

skills unique in themselves or which display a high degree of

technical accomplishment and represent changes in social

burial customs since 1886.

Archaeological

The archaeological significance of a place relates to the

extent to which it can or could provide historical information

through archaeological techniques such as stratigraphic (study

of various soil/rock layers) excavation and materials analysis.

Features of archaeological value at Waikumete include the

grave sites, monuments, paths, roads, the site of the original

Jewish Prayerhouse, and the sub-surface remnants of now

demolished structures such as the old Crematorium.

Spiritual/Cultural

Burial practices vary from culture to culture but are

fundamental to all. Cemeteries also have considerable

spiritual significance as the formally designated resting place

for a community's dead. Monument design, inscriptions, and

the layout of the Cemetery are physical manifestations of

spiritual meaning, with different approaches being perceptible

between various denominations and cultural groups.

Not only does Waikumete provide burials for many

different cultural groups and religions that are not otherwise

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provided for in the northern part of the North Island, its long

association with a number of these groups has created a

strong sense of place and ownership.

Equally important is the role of the various commemora-

tive plantings and memorials to specific groups of the wider

community who have been significantly affected by particular

events. These include the influenza epidemic of 1918, the two

World Wars, and the Erebus disaster.

Aesthetic

The park-like layout of some areas of the Cemetery

accords with the Victorian notion of burial in a garden setting

as a means of assuaging the sense of grief inevitably

associated with the loss of loved ones. Hedges and fences

provide a sense of enclosure and separation from the outside

world. The design and layout of sections such as the soldiers'

areas provide opportunities for contemplation and solitude.

They are a quiet haven away from the outside world for those

still living to commemorate those that have fallen.

The park setting also provides a visual break from the

surrounding landscape of residential and commercial proper-

ties and provides opportunities for people to enjoy the

panoramic views to Auckland city and the Waitakere Ranges.

Aesthetic values also relate to its size and relief in the

urban landscape. Waikumete Cemetery is the largest area of

public open space in urban Waitakere.

Community and Genealogical

The Cemetery is the burial place of a large number of

notable individuals, original family members of many cultural

groups, as well as a number of founding families of Auckland.

It also includes a number of commemorative plantings and

memorials to individuals and key events. These events have

personal links to many people in the community and the

memorials are visited on a regular basis.

As well as being significant to the families of the de-

ceased, the Cemetery is also an important place for passive

recreation. Its value to the community is indicated by the

formation of the Friends of Waikumete in 1995. The Friends

undertake a wide range of work in the Cemetery including

guided tours, annual open and clean-up days, historical

research, the production of brochures and small publications,

and the maintenance of the Wildflower Sanctuary.

Educational

Much of the history of Auckland, and West Auckland in

particular, can be told through the stories of the individuals

buried in the Cemetery, who provide an insight into the types

of people that moulded Auckland into the city that it is now.

Grave designs, monuments and epitaphs provide insight

into the various fashions associated with funerary ornaments

and the types of materials, local and imported, that were used

in their construction.

Original entrance gates to cemetery

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The formal layout of the early parts of the Cemetery,

based on religious denominations separated by walking tracks

and avenues of trees, stands as a living testament to a style of

cemetery design that has been replaced by lawn develop-

ments with minimal ornamentation and graves flush with the

ground.

Many people visit the Cemetery to trace their genealogical

roots and the place is, and will continue to be, an important

research resource of major archival importance for Auckland's

history.

Landscape and Setting

The ICOMOS New Zealand Charter for the Conservation

of Places of Cultural Heritage Value96 (see Appendix 13)

outlines the importance of conservation planning associated

with historic artefacts. Waikumete Cemetery, as one of the

oldest and largest cemeteries in New Zealand, has an

important place within the historic places of New Zealand.

Given that the Cemetery is predominantly a landscape

feature as compared to built form, the historical landscape

elements provide vital evidence and are representative of the

historical values of the Cemetery. As outlined in the previous

sections, the landscape history of the Cemetery is representa-

tive of not only the history of the Cemetery itself, but of

broader social history and changes within the Auckland region

through the years. These historic landscape features,

therefore, need to be conserved according to the principles

outlined in the Charter.

With regard to the historical landscape features of the

Cemetery, the broader setting, layout and remnant plantings

provide the most tangible evidence of historic character. As

much of the historical evidence of the landscape history

relates to planting, the degree of intervention on the conserva-

tion of the features will be variable.

Flora and Fauna

Waikumete Cemetery contains the largest area, within

Waitakere City, of moderately to highly significant gumland

forest remaining in the Tamaki Ecological District. As such, this

should be actively managed. Five of the native plants recorded

within the Cemetery are threatened and there are a number of

other areas of native vegetation which warrant protection, either

as a result of their role as wildlife corridors, or due to their

historical associations with plantings undertaken in commemo-

ration of loved ones buried in the Cemetery.

There are also a number of exotic plantings that have

either local or national significance. These include the 30

species of eucalypts, some of which are over 100 years old,

and the many species of naturalised wildflowers which

collectively make up the largest collection of these plants in

the world outside their home countries.

A number of other exotic trees and plants in the Cemetery

are a significant association of species traditionally utilised in

cemeteries of the Victorian era, with many having strong

associations with loss and death.

Item/Area Description SignificanceRanking

Early East Areas (Anglican A-E, Traditional cemetery form, grave sites predominately constructed HighWesleyan A-C, Non Conformist between 1886-1900. Graves also categorised as ArchaeologicalA-B, Roman Catholic A-B and Sites under the Historic Places Act.Public A)

Early West Areas (Anglican Traditional cemetery form, grave sites predominately constructed HighF-H, M&N, 1-3, Wesleyan C-E, between1900-1940.Presbyterian C-F, Roman CatholicC, Paupers/Flu Epidemic Areaand Non Conformist C-E)

Cultural Heritage Significance of Different Parts of the Cemetery

96 ICOMOS - New Zealand Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage Value sets out the principles to guide the conservation of

places of cultural heritage value in New Zealand.




East Armed Services Area Service persons graves from WWI. High(Service Persons A-G, NavelMen)

Cenotaph / WWI Memorial Constructed in 1921 to honour those who died in the First World HighWar of 1914-1918. Adjacent to it is a memorial built in 1963 tocommemorate the 57 servicemen of the Auckland province wholost their lives in and around NZ during World Wars I and II andhave no known graves.

Original Entrance Gates Gates brought from Victoria Park. High

West Armed Services Lawns WWII and later burial sites. Moderate(Service Persons K, R, C, J-M,Service Persons Ash Lawn,Merchant Navy A-C)

Site of Old Crematorium Remains of foundations of the old Crematorium and associated Highpohutakawa plantings.

Old Hebrew Area (Hebrew A) Traditional cemetery form grave sites predominately constructed Highbetween 1886-1900. Graves constructed prior to 1900 alsocategorised as Archaeological Sites under the Historic Places Act.

Site of old Jewish Prayerhouse Grassy area site of old Jewish Prayerhouse. No physical remains. ModerateSite also categorised as Archaeological Site under the HistoricPlaces Act.

Mausoleum Area Currently a group of 40 mausolea (with 2 under construction as at Moderate(Magnolia Way, Narcissus Dec 2002), built between 1942 and the present. Corban MausoleumDrive, Orchid Rise) of high individual significance as it was the first to be constructed.

Modern West Area (Protestant Traditional cemetery form, grave sites predominately constructed ModerateA-C, Presbyterian D, Anglican after 1940 to the present day.J-L, Wesleyan F, Liberal Jewish,Muslim, Roman Catholic Lawn B,Roman Catholic D-E)

Crematorium and commemorative New Crematorium and Chapels built 1951, Crematorium Ash Lawn Moderategardens and Erebus Memorial.

Eastern berm and lawn areas incl. Modern burial areas reflecting modern cemetery form, gravesites Lownew Hebrew Prayerhouse (Hebrew predominately constructed after 1950's to the present day.Berm, Roman Catholic Lawns A & C,Protestant Lawns A-E, North Lawn E)

Western berm and lawn areas Modern burial areas reflecting modern cemetery form, gravesites Low(Urupa, Western Berms, Western predominately constructed after 1950's to the present day.Lawns, Westview Lawn, ProtestantBerms A & B, Roman CatholicBerms A & B)

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Mass graves, hospital and Unmarked graves. Moderatepaupers grave sites - modernwest area

Rubbish dumping trench - Located to the north of Anglican M and N, below paupers' graves in Moderateearly west area the gully between Ixia Street and Eucalyptus Avenue - partly dug over.

Glenview Road Cottage Also know as the Beach Road Cottage and the Foreman's house, moved Highfrom 109 Beach Road Te Atatu to Waikumete in 1917. Moved from itsprevious site in Waikumete to its current location in 1979.

Chapel of Faith-in-the-Oaks Original mortuary chapel constructed in 1886. Listed by Historic HighPlaces Trust.

Sexton's House Original Sexton's house built in 1886. Office added 1919. High

Toilets - Acmena Avenue and Brick toilets. LowKowhai Road

Works Shed Maintenance works shed and associated storage area. Low

Table Six: Cultural Heritage Significance of Different Parts of the Cemetery



Landscape HeritageAssessment

Landscape Evaluation

Site Analysis

Waikumete Cemetery is located in the Glen Eden area of

Waitakere City. The main contemporary entrance to the site is

from Great North Road, with other minor entrances located at

Glenview Road, Waikumete Road and Sunhill Road. Historical

entry points to the Cemetery were located in relation to the

railway line along Waikumete Road (then known as Station

Road) which was the main road through the settlement which

became known as 'Waikumete' and which later changed to

'Glen Eden' in the 1920's. Glen View Road at the Soldiers'

area entrance was the other main historical entry point.

The site consists of gently sloping land with pockets of

flatter areas in the southern corner of the site adjacent to Glen

View Road. This land is bisected by two main gully systems

with small streams at their base. There are also a number of

gentler (unvegetated) overland flow paths throughout the site

that are associated with the undulating topography of the site.

The Cemetery site is located in what has become a

predominantly urban area, surrounded on all sides by

residential properties. The Cemetery provides a significant

area of open space within this urban fabric and the scale of

the site and its trees have a strong impact on the amenity of

the area.

The vegetative cover of Waikumete Cemetery consists of

a mixture of native and exotic plants. There are some areas of

predominantly native vegetation, while other pockets consist

of a mix of native and exotic, and still other areas where exotic

vegetation is predominant.

The vegetation consists of a range of deliberately planted

material, naturally occurring native vegetation, and naturalised

plants that have spread throughout the site.

The mature trees on site form the main structural compo-

nent of the landscape pattern throughout the Cemetery, with

the vegetated gullies forming dominant vegetative features in

most areas of the site. Vegetation within the site is described

later.

Character Areas

The landscape of the Cemetery can be delineated into a

range of discrete character areas, each exhibiting cohesive

features that distinguish one from the other. Many of these

character areas are associated with the cultural landscape

features that overlay the natural landform and vegetation

features of the site.

Eight broad character areas have been identified within

the Cemetery. These are described and analysed according to

all the landscape features of the area, including natural and

cultural features, and are useful in providing an overview of

the existing character of the landscape and in aiding in

guidance for future maintenance / protection.

Figure 11b shows character area boundaries with a

photographic summary of the character areas identified in

figure 11a.

P A R T F O U R :

L A N D S C A P E H E R I T A G E S I G N I F I C A N C E


Figure 11aPhotographic summary of the character areas identified

Character Area D

Character Area F

Character Area G

Character Area E

Character Area C

Character Area BCharacter Area A

PA RT FO U R : LA N D S CA P E HE R I TAG E S I G N I F I CA N C E


Character Area Description

A This is an area of very open gently sloping land located in the northern corner of the Cemetery. The

road network is more recent in this area (1940's onwards) and consists of curvilinear roads following

the contour. The landcover is predominantly grass with occasional scattered specimen trees. The

lawn graves, lacking any verticality, add to the open, sparse character of this area. The area of

gumland vegetation adjacent forms a significant backdrop and definition to this character area.

B Incorporating the present day main entrance to the Cemetery, this character area has a predomi-

nantly built character, with the main modern cemetery buildings and crematorium located in this area.

The immediate landscape around the buildings is comprised of highly detailed garden beds with

specimen trees. Memorials and memorial gardens are concentrated in this area, which has a smaller,

human scale and more accessible character in terms of the vegetation.

C This area, in the north-eastern corner of the Cemetery site, has an open grassed character which is

punctuated by the large vegetation of the gully which begins within this area. A strong character of

regimentality is reflected through the views of the soldiers' memorials / graves within this character

area.

D This is one of the largest character areas, consisting of the main historical part of the Cemetery. The

area is characterised by a strong grid pattern as a result of the formal grid of grave plots and the

access roads between these plots (graves were laid out like streets, with odd numbers one side and

even on the other). In addition, the area has a slightly overgrown or 'forgotten' feeling with nostalgic

untended graves and wildflowers. Bisecting the area is the gully of exotic and native planting which

forms a backdrop to, and contrasts with, the formal grid of the grave plots and roadways. This area

includes a number of historical buildings and historical entrances to the Cemetery.

E Located in the middle of the Cemetery, this area forms a transitional space between the grid pattern

of the important heritage component of the Cemetery - area D, and the natural vegetation of area F.

A vegetated gully runs through this area and informal curvilinear roads provide access. This area has

the street with mausolea located on it. The steep street with views to the City and adjacent built

forms of the mausolea provide a strong character to the area which is unique within the Cemetery.

F A large area located in the north-western corner of the site consists of an extensive area of regener-

ating gumland vegetation. The vegetation is predominantly of low stature and blankets the undulating

landform. This character area provides a significant backdrop to other areas of the Cemetery and

also provides a contrast to the more formal, cultural and open areas of the site.

G Located on the western boundary of the site, this area consists of contemporary grave sites which

run alongside a main access road. An area of native shrubland with some emergent exotic trees

forms a backdrop. Located at a high point within the site, this area has views out towards the

Waitakere Ranges and surrounding urban areas and has the feeling of being located on a highpoint

or ridgeline.

H Located at the western boundary of the site, this is an area that slopes away from the ridge located

at Waitakere View Drive and consists of a mix of regenerating gumland vegetation and exotic weed.

The land falls down to the lower boundary of the site adjacent to the railway line corridor.

Table Seven: Character Areas of Waikumete Cemetery



Historical Cemetery Areas

A large proportion of the Cemetery consists of historical

grave sites and there is evidence in these areas of associated

historical planting. In some cases this planting reflects

traditional cemetery planting, while other plantings are more

representative of a response to the site conditions. The

historical areas of the Cemetery are concentrated in the

southern end of the site running parallel to Glenview Road,

the historical linkage focusing on the western rail corridor and

original railway station location.

The majority of the mature specimen trees and cultural

landscape patterns occur in this historical area of the

Cemetery. One of the dominant landscape features of the

historical areas is the rigid formality of the grave plot layout,

with a strong grid pattern (street-like) overlaid onto the

undulating topography. The natural gullies which run through

this pattern form a contrast to this formality. These historical

arrangements of burial areas, alignment of roadways, paths,

avenues of trees, buildings (Chapel and Sexton's House) and

massing of vegetation form the significant elements in the

original design of the Cemetery.

The character of the historical Cemetery contrasts

significantly with that of the more contemporary areas.

Visually, the area is formal in terms of its grid pattern,

however, the extensive vegetation growth associated with

these older areas (in the form of wildflowers) provides a

'softening' to the grave sites and adds a degree of informality

to the area.

Associated with the grid pattern of the grave sites

themselves is the historical planting of avenue trees along the

roads which dissect the grave plots. Details of these plantings

are outlined in Part 4: Cultural Landscape Patterns.

Contemporary Cemetery Areas

The contemporary sections of the Cemetery reflect the

later trends in cemetery planning, in particular with the trend

toward lawn cemeteries with a predominantly open space

character which is in contrast to the more vertical character of

headstones, crypts and monuments of the historical cemetery

areas. The more recent internal roads also reflect a more

sinuous form in contrast to the grid layout of the earlier roads.

Grave sites also tend to follow the contour more rather than

align with defined grids superimposed over the natural

landform.

Roads within the contemporary Cemetery areas tend to be

wider than those in the original Cemetery, and in most cases

have a kerb and channel defining their edge, which is not the

case in the older areas.

The contemporary areas of the Cemetery are character-

ised by fewer specimen trees and have a much more open

character with few, if any, vertical elements. Backdrops of

native vegetation in the gullies is a theme which continues

through both historical and recent Cemetery areas, but is less

pronounced in some of the contemporary areas, where natural

overland flow pathways (waterways) are not vegetated.

Views

Views into the Cemetery are predominantly gained from

Great North Road, with glimpsed views from Glen View Road.

The Eleagnus hedge along Glen View Road forms a degree of

screening of the Cemetery and the gaps in the hedge and

entrance points are the main areas where views are gained

into the historical areas.

Views from Great North Road provide a strong connection

between the surrounding area and the Cemetery. These views

give an appreciation of the function of the land and an

indication of the extent of open space within the Cemetery.

The photographs adjacent give examples of some of the

significant views.

From within the Cemetery there are a number of signifi-

cant views. These range from panoramic views of the

surrounding urban fabric, including Central Auckland, the

Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island, to the familiar West

Auckland backdrop of the Waitakere Ranges.

The most prominent views are gained from the roads in

the south-western end of the Cemetery, where a higher

elevation provides the opportunity to view out of the site and

into the surrounding landscape. These views provide a strong

connection to the surrounding City and give a context to the

Cemetery as well as creating a contrast with the more

enclosed areas in the south of the Cemetery.



Natural Landscape Patterns

The Waikumete Cemetery site incorporates a range of

natural vegetation areas that contribute to the character of the

Cemetery. The largest of these is the extensive area of

gumland vegetation in the north-western end of the site.

Gumland scrub is the historical vegetation cover of the entire

Waikumete Cemetery site97. Gumland scrub is a vegetation

type that is dominated by Manuka (Leptospermum

scoparium), Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) and the Cyperaceious

genera such as; Baumea, Schoenus, Tetraria and

Lepidosperma. This vegetation is predominantly native with

some occasional pockets of exotic vegetation. It forms a

significant backdrop to the boundary of the site with Great

North Road and is an important vegetative element, defining

and containing the more contemporary areas of the Cemetery

and having significant ecological values.

Other pockets of native vegetation are located within the

vegetated gullies which form 'fingers' though the site. These

vary in their composition between predominantly exotic to a

mix of native and exotic vegetation. The general character,

however, is one of a natural pattern of vegetation that bisects

the cultural landscape features of the Cemetery. The form of

97 Based on observations of early missionary and botanist William Colenso and other explorers of the time, the land was already covered in gumland

scrub during the 1840's. (Dieffenbach 1843; Colenso 1844; Beever 1981).

View from within Cemetery to HarbourView from Circular Drive to Waitakere Ranges

View from into Cemetery looking toward historiccemetery area and Waitakere Ranges

View from within cemetery toward City



these vegetated fingers is determined by the small stream

channels and wetland areas that are located at the base of the

gullies.

Figure 11d, Appendix 15 illustrates a diagrammatic

summary of the natural landscape patterns of the site.

Cultural Landscape Patterns

The predominant 'language' or elements of a cemetery are

the burial sites and their associated markings. Traditionally in

European cemeteries of the late 1800's (from which

Waikumete dates) burial sites were marked by grave head-

stones ranging in extravagance and size. Some graves

included statuary, whilst crypts were also used for family

burials over time (a feature present also at Waikumete). In

addition, the traditional trees and plants of the European

cemetery are a part of a symbolic 'language' which was

utilised throughout Europe and was transported, to varying

degrees, into the colonial settlements.

The symbolism associated with vegetation within cemeter-

ies is composed of a complex blend of physical characteristics

with links to a variety of religions and beliefs. For example, to

the Victorians conifers signified perpetual life due to their

evergreen nature, while willow reflected resurrection and new

life because of the tree's ability to regenerate from a single

bare branch. Evidence of such planting at Waikumete

includes the Italian Cypress and the Oaks.

Within Waikumete Cemetery there is some evidence of

symbolic use of trees and shrubs, however, the symbolic trees

within the site are limited and do not form a strong component

of the Cemetery design.

Symbolic and Traditional Vegetation

Symbolic planting, although limited within Waikumete

Cemetery, includes the following:

Conifers

The predominant traditional planting evident within

Waikumete is the coniferous planting. Within the historical

areas there are a number of mature cypress Cupressus sp.

that have a traditional cemetery association and reflect the

idea of 'perpetual life'.

Wildflowers

The use of wildflower plants is a traditional planting that

was often carried out on the grave sites. In particular, the

Watsonia species (Watsonia bulbilifera is now naturalised and

considered a weed within the Cemetery) has been identified

as a traditional grave planting within many Australian cemeter-

ies and may well reflect a similar reference at Waikumete.

Other wildflowers that have naturalised within the Cemetery

may have similar origins as grave site planting.

Wildflower sanctuary

Symbolic specimen trees - Italian cypress



Roses

There is evidence in some areas of the planting of

rambling roses adjacent to grave sites, with the roses now

spreading and naturalising in particular areas. Roses have

been used in a number of early cemeteries throughout New

Zealand (i.e. Bolton Street Cemetery, Wellington) as grave

plantings and the same could be said for Waikumete, although

less extensive than in some other cemeteries.

Oak

The mature oak located adjacent to the Chapel of Faith in

the Oaks is another tree with extensive symbolic associations,

and in particular reflects the English origins of many of the

early settlers to the area. Its strong link with the adjacent

chapel highlights this symbolism. Like many of the trees within

the Cemetery, there is evidence of some self-seeded speci-

mens in various places. The historic oaks within the Cemetery

are identified in the Proposed District Plan as scheduled

items.

Palms

Palms represented a symbol of triumph over death, and

the presence of a number of mature phoenix palms indicates

the possible use of this species to reflect this symbolism within

Waikumete. The mature specimens reflect a deliberate

planting, however, there is evidence of some self-seeding

specimens also within the Cemetery. This species is consid-

ered undesirable in Waitakere City.

Other Historical Planting Features

There are a number of plantings within Waikumete

Cemetery which were planted during the early years of the

formation of the Cemetery and which reflect the historical

design features of the Cemetery. These plantings do not

necessarily reflect any traditional symbolic cemetery planting,

but are a more localised response to the site conditions and/or

are a particularly antipodean response to cemetery plantings,

e.g. eucalyptus trees.

Boundary Hedges/Planting

The boundary or edges of a cemetery have been crucial in

the perception of cemeteries and their relationship to the

surrounding areas. The importance of the boundary for visual,

as well as behavioural seclusion, has been connected with

cemeteries since they were brought within the limits of

European cities in the 7th century. There was often the desire

to create a clear demarcation between the cemetery area and

the surrounding environment.

At Waikumete the historical area of the Cemetery is

bounded by Glen View Road and Waikumete Road. Running

along the length of this road at the boundary, between the

Cemetery and the road from the historical entrance at

Waikumete Road and Great North Road to the chapel, is a

clipped evergreen hedge of Eleagnus reflexa. This is the only

evidence of a formal treatment of the Cemetery boundary and

is thus an important heritage feature of the Cemetery in

landscape terms. However, there is no clear indication on any

of the plans or documentation of when this hedge was planted

or if the species reflects an original planting. It is likely that the

species was chosen for its fragrant flowers (although as a

clipped hedge it seldom achieves its full flowering potential).

Eucalypts were planted in 192198 and were said to have

formed a boundary around the entire cemetery site. Remnants

of these plantings, as well as possible earlier plantings, are

located along Glenview Road. There are 15 species of

eucalypt located along the Glenview Road frontage, mostly

Eucalyptus pilularis, with two examples of Eucalyptus

guilfoylei (uncommon in New Zealand with high botanical

value).

98 30 May 1921. Report from W. Kirkpatrick, The Town Clerk, ACC. "�the fencing of the Cemetery Reserve is now completed. The Eucalyptus

Amygdalina (250) have been planted making a complete avenue of gums all round the cemetery."

Cemetery boundary - Eleagnus hedge



Specimen Tree Avenues

Due to the need to restrict specimen tree planting within

the graveyard plots, specimen trees were planted in the 'grave

free' areas of the Cemetery, predominantly along the edges of

the driveways within the Cemetery. Avenue trees within

Waikumete consist of the following range of species:

Acmena sp. (Lily Pilly or Monkey Apple)

Chamaecyparis sp. (Conifer)

Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa)

Tristania sp. (Queensland Box)

Podocarpus totara (Totara)

Specimen Trees

Throughout the historical cemetery area there are a

scattering of specimen trees which range in age. Some of the

younger specimens are planted and/or are a result of self-

seeding, while the more mature specimens reflect deliberate

planting over the years. The older tree specimens include;

Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), the Canary Island

Palm (Phoenix canariensis), Gum trees (Eucalyptus sp.)

Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla), Swamp Cypress

(Taxodium distictum), Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa),

and the English Oak (Quercus robur).

Other specimen trees within the historical Cemetery areas

include:

Totara Podocarpus totara

Kauri Agathis australis

Rimu Dacrycarpus dacrydioides

All of the above native trees reflect early examples of

native trees used as specimen plantings. Younger native

specimens reflect naturalisation or later planting following

along from the trend of the original native planting.

An aerial photograph taken on 22 April 1940 gives a

relatively clear indication of the specimen trees that were on

the site at that time and shows the larger, pre-1940 specimens

and smaller, more recently planted specimens on the site. This

photograph shows the existing eucalypt plantings along the

boundaries of Glenview Road and small specimens can be

seen along some of the avenues. The size of the canopies

would indicate that they had been planted prior to 1940, but

they are significantly smaller in size than the 1920 eucalypt

plantings, indicating planting between 1920 and 1940.

A subsequent aerial photograph taken on 23 May 1976 of

the same scale shows the growth of these specimen trees,

and subsequent plantings and land developments. Of

particular interest is the evidence of the beginnings of seedling

trees within some of the grave areas, which becomes even

more evident in the recently taken 1999 aerial photograph.

Aerial photographs in Appendix 15 shows the contrast

between these two photographic records.

Processes of Change in the Landscape

An important feature of historical cemetery landscapes is

the inherent tendency for them to reflect change within the

landscape.

At Waikumete the landscape has undergone such change,

due primarily to the naturalisation of plants and the neglect of

particular areas of the Cemetery that has enabled exotic and

native vegetation to grow 'out of control'. This tendency for

trees to become troublesome weeds reflects the lack of

human control, and instead of an ordered garden, the area

becomes a 'wilderness'. The issue of self-seeding exotic and

native trees and shrubs on the grave sites themselves is an

example of this, as is the extensive naturalisation of the

wildflower plantings.

This appearance of age and decay characterises many

Victorian cemeteries and adds to the sense of nostalgia,

increasing the symbolic reflection of the past that such old

Exotic avenue trees - Acmena




Avenue plantings - early east Avenue plantings of exotic and native trees over 50 years old, Higharea e.g. on Ixia and Crocus Road.

Specimen trees - early east All exotic and native specimen trees over 50 years old, e.g. pohutakawa Higharea in Non Conformist A; English oaks, bluegum and Norfolk Island pines by

Faith in the Oaks; Canary Island Palms by Sexton's House.

Avenue plantings - early west Avenue plantings of exotic and native trees over 30 years old and/or over Moderatearea 6 metres in height, e.g. Acmena on Acmena Avenue.

Native and exotic tree Plantings of totara, kauri, rimu, swamp cypress, eucalypts and other large Highplantings - Crocus Road to natives and exotic specimen trees.Watsonia Way gully

Specimen trees - early west All exotic and native specimen trees over 30 years old and/or 6 metres Moderatearea in height.

Avenue plantings - modern Plantings of Chamaecyparis, Acmena and Tristania species on Pine Lane Moderatewest area and Orchid Rise.

Specimen trees - modern west All exotic and native trees over 6 metres in height. Moderatearea

Avenue plantings - east armed All exotic and native avenue plantings, e.g. pohutakawa and totara Highservices area plantings on Gallipoli Drive, Anzac Parade, and pohutakawa along

walkway parallel with Glenview Road boundary.

Landscape Heritage Significance of Different Parts of the Cemetery

cemeteries convey. In this sense the landscape itself and the

change which it undergoes forms an important link between

the past and present, and provides interpretation of the

transformation of the site and a reflection of the history of the

cemetery and release of human control over particular areas.

Key Landscape Elements

From an analysis of the above it is evident that there are a

small number of key landscape elements within Waikumete

Cemetery which form part of the strong character of the site

and which should be protected, maintained and enhanced.

These elements include:

� contrast between grid pattern of grave plots and 'fingers'

of more natural vegetated gullies;

� formal avenue plantings along internal roads;

� range of roads and paths between grave plots;

� views out over Auckland City and to the Waitakere

Ranges;

� symbolic Cemetery tree plantings;

� boundary treatments - in particular, the Glen View Road

hedge;

� wildflower meadows;

� large specimen trees;

� native gumland areas and vegetated gullies with native

plants predominant;

� glimpsed views of the Cemetery from outside the site;

� detailed small scale planting adjacent to the new cremato-

rium buildings.




Specimen trees - east armed All specimen tree plantings including groves of totara, pohutakawa, Highservices area and around site rewarewa, kauri and Canary Island Phoenix Palm.of old crematorium

Eucalyptus trees along Glenview Plantings of eucalypts dating back to 1921. HighRoad and Eucalyptus Ave

Avenue plantings - Soldiers Way Mixed tree plantings of trees greater than 30 years old and/or 6 metres Moderatein height.

Eleagnus Hedge along GlenviewRoad boundary Planted in early 1950's. Moderate

Wildflower Meadows Traditional funeral meadows in early east and early west areas. High

Western Gumlands Largest area of regenerating native vegetation. High

Planting Adjacent to the New Detailed memorial style garden planting. LowCrematorium Buildings

Glimpsed Views into Cemetery Views into the Cemetery from Great North Road, Glenview Road and Moderatefrom outside Awaroa Road.

Views to Waitakere Ranges Views from within Cemetery from Waitakere View Road, Magnolia Way Moderateand Auckland City and cul-de-sac off Waitakere View Road.

Grid-like nature of graves Early east and early west areas. High

Fingers of gullies through Between early east and early west areas. Highold grave areas

Roads and paths between Early east and early west areas. Moderategrave plots

Symbolic Plantings Planted (as opposed to self seeded) palms, cypresses, oaks, conifers, Highand roses in early east and west areas.

Table Eight: Landscape Heritage Significance of Different Parts of Waikumete Cemetery



Assessment of Natural HeritageValues99

The Cemetery was ranked using criteria developed from

those used in the Protected Natural Area Programme (PNAP).

The PNAP was established to help prioritise reserve acquisi-

tion and has been running for a number of years. The basic

methodology is to survey and characterise all areas of native

vegetation and fauna habitat within an Ecological District

(being an area of similar biophysical characteristics). The

survey and analysis methodology used in the PNAP is

frequently used for more general studies which seek to

determine the significance of natural areas. Characteristics

such as diversity, size, presence of rare or unusual species or

associations of species, viability, and representativeness are

used to assess the significance of natural areas.

Primary criteria for assessment of the natural heritage

significance have been developed as part of the Protected

Natural Areas Programme. These criteria examine natural

heritage values as expressed under a range of headings,

including the following:

� Representativeness

� Diversity and Pattern

� Rarity/Special Features

� Naturalness/Intactness

� Size and Shape

� Buffering/Connectivity

� Long Term Sustainability/Viability

� Fragility and Threat

� Management Input

The surveys undertaken for Waikumete Cemetery rank it

overall as an area of high natural area significance.

Individual vegetation units within the Cemetery have also

been ranked using the same PNA criteria and given Impor-

tance ratings to provide a basis on which to determine

management priorities (Refer Map 3, Appendix 15) for work

such as weed control and for determining areas of expansion

for future burial sites.

Statement of Natural Heritage Significance

Waikumete Cemetery is a diverse landscape preserving

important natural connections with Auckland's past. A range

of regionally significant natural areas exist within Waikumete

Cemetery and it is nationally significant owing to the presence

of large populations of threatened and uncommon native

plants throughout the Cemetery. Collectively the gumland

areas form the largest area of highly significant gumland

vegetation remaining in the Tamaki Ecological District within

Waitakere City and, as such, need to be managed in a

manner that protects these values in perpetuity. Freshwater

ecosystems within the Tamaki Ecological District have been

largely depleted through drainage and land reclamation100,

with only a few areas of raupo reedland and one small patch

of maire tawake (Syzgium maire) forest remaining in the

lowlands of West Auckland. The wetlands within the Cemetery

are significant, though degraded, and offer much scope for

restoration and enhancement. A large number of rare and

uncommon native plants are found within the Cemetery,

particularly amongst the graves. Protection of these unique

species and their habitats is important to retain the extent of

biodiversity found within the region and New Zealand.

Representativeness (H)

The manuka-dominated gumland vegetation within the

Cemetery, though invaded in parts by exotic trees, is highly

representative of the vegetation that covered much of the

impoverished soils of the Waitakere Lowlands circa 1840, as

P A R T F I V E :

N A T U R A L H E R I T A G E S I G N I F I C A N C E

99 Much of the information in this section comes from Whaley et al, 1999 and de Lange and Norton, 2001.100 Julian et al 1998 in Whaley et al, 1999, p.53.


indicated by early botanical records. The gully forests in the

east, though in part planted, are also representative of the

narrow ribbons of gully forests that persisted at that time,

escaping fires and clearance. The wetlands and stream sides

of the Cemetery, though degraded, are also representative of

freshwater habitats that were once more widespread.

Diversity and Pattern (H)

The large areas of predominantly native gumland

vegetation to the west extend over a full range of landforms

from streamside to ridge crest. Despite their invasion in many

parts by exotic species, the long fire history, and the isolation

from other gumland sites, they still retain virtually the full suite

of gumland species within them, e.g. ferns, sedges, orchids,

and shrubs.

The eastern forested gullies, although not entirely natural,

have most of the lowland conifer and broad-leaved canopy

species that occur naturally in such habitats. The small

wetlands throughout the Cemetery still support a range of

native sedges, rush, grass and reed species.

Rarity/Special Features (H)

At least eight threatened and two uncommon plant

species and a number of other species have been recorded

from the gumland scrub. Because of habitat clearance these

species are now only found in a few similar sites within the

Waitakere Lowlands and Waikumete is an acknowledged

stronghold in the Auckland Region for many of these plants.

Two uncommon species are found at their current extant

southern limit, making Waikumete Cemetery Nationally

Significant.

Special features include:

� The gumland vegetation, with its unique suite of species,

is the largest area of such vegetation left within the

Waitakere City boundary;

� The large kauri trees in the eastern gullies - little of the

original kauri forests in the Waitakere Lowlands remain;

� The wetland, seepage and naturally vegetated streamside

areas - so many of the catchments within the Lowlands

are now drained or surrounded by suburban and industrial

developments;

� The burial areas, with their host of open dwelling grasses

and orchid species, are a unique habitat with many

regionally threatened and uncommon species;

� The areas of recently burnt over gumland - providing

unique areas of high floristic diversity and healthy

populations of many regionally threatened and uncommon

species.

Native birds recorded during the ecological survey include

Tui (seen on every occasion), Kereru or native bush pigeon

(observed once), Fantail, Silvereye and Grey Warbler. All

seemed most plentiful in the eastern gullies, with all Tui seen

in the tall canopies of the conifer forest.

Naturalness/Intactness (L-H)

Areas of gumland, gully and wetland vegetation with the

highest proportion of invasive exotic species score L. The

areas of most "pristine" gumland score H, and conifer gully

forest and more natural wetland areas score M. Apart from

small areas of "pristine" gumland scrub, no vegetation within

the Cemetery remains as it was when European settlers

arrived.

Size and Shape (L-H)

The large western areas of gumland ranks H for this

criterion. It is large and compact with a low interior : edge

ratio. The south-western area ranks M as it is smaller, longer,

narrower and traversed by a series of tracks. The gullies are

all L-M as most are relatively small, long narrow ribbons with

high interior : edge ratios. The wetlands are also L-M as they

are small and often long and narrow.

Collectively these areas also support a wide range of

introduced and native animals. The size of the Cemetery and

its significant bush and wetland remnants provide good habitat

for native birds in particular.

Buffering/Connectivity (L-H)

In some cases the gumland scrub vegetation fades to a

younger scrub buffer along its margins; in others the boundary

with the grassed grave areas is blunt or damaged by spoil.

The new boundary with Sunhill Park is buffered by gumland

vegetation and by new native plantings along both sides of the

walkway. The gullies in the newer parts of the Cemetery have

either blunt boundaries, swards of kikuyu grass and other

weeds, or younger scrub as in Amber Crescent Gully.

PA RT F I V E : NAT U R A L HE R I TAG E S I G N I F I CA N C E


The conifer forest gully and others in the old eastern parts

of the Cemetery have borders of young native shrubs and

exotic weeds. Narrow strips of exotic and native forest and

scrub, except for the Amber Crescent wetland which ends in

mown lawn, buffer most of the wetlands.

The natural areas within the Cemetery are semi-continu-

ous over its whole extent and no area is more than 100m

away from its nearest neighbour. Linking the gullies and

gumlands are amenity plantings along the roadsides, many of

which provide seasonal flowers and fruit for birds (e.g. totara).

Long Term Sustainability/Viability (M)

Problem weed species and the management options

chosen to deal with them will have a large impact on the long-

term sustainability of the natural vegetation within the

Cemetery. Future fires within gumland areas will allow further

invasion by willow-leaved hakea, needlebush, maritime pine,

and brush wattle, hampering the re-establishment and

continued dominance of manuka and other gumland species

unless management to contain their spread is undertaken. In

the gullies the swards of invasive weeds, including wandering

Jew and kahili ginger, will impede native regeneration. If

allowed to spread further, willows will smother wetlands/

streams and obstruct water flow.

Fragility and Threat (L-H)

Threats to the predominantly native vegetation within the

Cemetery include further uncontrolled fires (although some of

the uncommon species thrive in these conditions), vandalism,

continued spread of problem weed species and arrival of

others, further clearance for new graves, and dumping of

grave spoil and rubbish into vegetation and waterways.

Management Input (H)

Without some degree of management intervention, all

areas of gumland in the Cemetery will eventually have

significant exotic tree components and many may end up like

the exotic forest behind the present workshops (above Amber

Crescent) with manuka reduced to scattered spindly individu-

als in the sub-canopy/understorey.

The burnt over areas in particular will be quickly taken

over by the faster growing vigorous wattle, hakea and pine

species. In these areas and in the most weed infested gullies

and wetlands, high management input is required if these

species are to be prevented from completely dominating these

areas as well as spreading outside them.

The native conifer forest will require L-M management

input to remove the problem understorey weeds like kahili

ginger, mistflower, wandering Jew, climbing asparagus,

Sydney golden wattle, tree privet, Chinese privet, silver poplar,

ivy, moth plant, bulbul watsonia, and monkey apple. The least

invaded wetlands will also require L-M management input,

with kahili ginger, willows, pampas, and Japanese honey-

suckle priorities for removal.

Significance Rating of Natural Areas

Refer to Appendix 16

Unit Site Name Comments

High Importance

a-d Crocus Rd - Watsonia Contains a mix of planted and natural conifer forest with kauri, kahikatea, tanekaha, rimu,Rd Gully totara, pohutukawa, puriri, and rewarewa.

2 Amber Crescent Gully Strip of "pristine" gumland vegetation on the western side of the gully. Some orchids andlarge patches of Diachelachne inaequiglumis. Limited weed invasion.

1 Western Gumlands "Pristine" gumland vegetation including orchids, in places throughout, with no or limitedexotic tree invasion. Southern portion supporting the largest population of Caladeniaatradenia and good populations of some uncommon sun orchids.

1 Amber Crescent Wetland Small Baumea rubiginosa - dominated wetland.

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1 South Western Gumlands Least invaded areas of manuka dominated scrub and the burnt gumland areas on drierupper slopes. High floristic diversity is probably due to fires which recently swept parts ofthis area. Good healthy populations of all key nationally and regionally uncommon plants,except Picris burbidgei and Paspalum obiculare.

Moderate Importance

4 South Western Gumlands Gully vegetation where pines form the canopy. Mix of native and exotic species in thesub-canopy/understorey, supporting a rich mosaic of orchids including good populationsof some uncommon sun orchids and rare native plants.

South Western Gumlands Gumland vegetation, most of which has a high proportion of exotic trees emergent and inthe canopy. Only known site for several plant species. Large populations of someuncommon sun orchids and Pterostylis aff. graminea.

3 South Western Gumlands Burnt moister lower slopes with high proportions of exotic seedlings becomingestablished. Healthy populations of all key nationally and regionally uncommon plants.Burned areas are the only locations in the Cemetery for some native orchids.

3 Eucalypt Gully A strip of mostly planted conifer forest.

2 Western Gumlands Parts of the gullies where tree ferns dominate and exotic trees are absent or only a minorcomponent.

1,3 Amber Crescent Gully Treefernland through the centre of the gully and a small wetland with a number of nativespecies and a fringe of manuka dominated scrub at the northern end. The wetlandprovides a good habitat for aquatic fauna.

1,2 Eucalypt Gully Eucalypt forest with regenerating podocarps (e.g. totara, tanekaha) and native shrubsbeneath and small areas of "gumland" species. Treefernland through the centre.

f2 Parade Gully Wetland in the centre of the gully, partially invaded by willows, with a number of nativespecies. Good fish and eel habitat.

g Parade Gully Sedge-reedland wetland in the centre of the gully with limited willow invasion.Thin strip of planted eucalypt and poplar dominated forest.

Lower Importance

1a, 1b Western Gumlands Gumland vegetation with the highest proportion of exotic trees emergent and in thecanopy.

3 Western Gumlands Low forest dominated by exotic trees, shrubs and lianes.

1,4 Amber Crescent Gully Pine dominated vegetation on the upper gully slopes, with monkey apple treeland at thenorthern end.

1,2,3 Narcissus Gully Small weedy gully with a broken exotic canopy.

5 South Western Gumlands Pine forest.

1,2 Azalea Gully A small weedy gully with mixed native-exotic plant communities. Also has a small wetlandin the gully bottom.

4,5 Eucalypt Gully Exotic-dominated shrub-tussockland with native species establishing through it and pinedominated forest with native and exotic species in the understorey.

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e Crocus Rd - Watsonia Section of the gully with two exotic-dominated units. Some native species in understorey,Road Gully with a central damp wetland area dominated by willows.

f1 Parade Gully Eucalypt dominated forest unit with a mixed native and exotic understorey.

h Parade Gully Planted fringe of native and exotic trees with a narrow strip of raupo reedland in the gullybottom.

i Parade Gully Weedy shrubland with a wetland in the centre, part of which is a raupo wetland.

j Crocus Rd - Watsonia Exotic dominated unit with some native species in the subcanopy/understorey.Road Gully

Table Nine: Significance Rating of Natural Areas

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External InfluencesLegislative Environment

Burial and Cremation Act 1964

Administered by the Health Department, the Burial and

Cremation Act 1964 imposes on local authorities the duty of

establishing and maintaining a suitable cemetery within their

area of jurisdiction where sufficient provision has not other-

wise been made for this purpose.

Section 4 authorises any work for the purpose of carrying

out that duty and declares a cemetery to be a public work

within the meaning of the Public Works Act 1981.

Section 8 enables councils to regulate the construction,

placing and maintenance of graves, vaults and monuments; it

also enables councils to carry out and maintain fences, walks,

roads, lawns, shrubberies, etc, and to make provision for

draining the cemetery to keep it dry.

Section 9 sets out the powers that relate to vaults and

monuments. Local authorities have the power, upon payment

of the prescribed fee (burial fee), to decide how burials should

be undertaken and where. This includes the type of monument

or tablet to be erected. Once the monument or tablet has been

erected, the maintenance of that structure may only be

undertaken with the permission of the family or representa-

tives of the person buried (S.9(d)). This is an important

principle at Waikumete where groups such as the Friends of

Waikumete are interested in restoring graves.

Section 16 enables councils to make bylaws for the

management of cemeteries. Standard bylaws have been

produced by the Standards Association and these have been

adapted by Waitakere City Council in its management of

Waikumete.

Section 10 deals with the "Exclusive right of burial" S.10

(1) and enables the sale:

"Either in perpetuity or for a limited period the exclusive

right of burial in any part of a cemetery, and also the right to

construct any vault or place of burial with the exclusive right of

burial therein."

S.10 (4) however, provides that notwithstanding the earlier

sub-sections of S.10:

"�any exclusive right of burial�.. whether sold before or

after the commencement of this Act, shall lapse if, at any time

after the sale, 60 years pass without a burial taking place in

that part of the cemetery..."

This latter provision places a term on the exclusive right,

though the former explicitly enables the sale of such right "in

perpetuity". In practice, councils commonly establish the term

of "Exclusive rights to bury" through bylaw provision. At

Waikumete the term is 60 years from the date of purchase of

the plot. Prior to an Act of Parliament passed in 1946, plots

were sold in perpetuity.

The bylaws also regulate the location and form of graves,

vaults and monuments in various parts of the Cemetery (i.e.

define areas as "lawn" or "berm" and regulate the construction

of vaults, mausoleums and monuments). Bylaws enable the

setting of fees for various purposes, usually by resolution of

the council from time to time. Bylaw powers also prohibit the

carrying out of works by unauthorised persons and regulate

certain aspects of cremation, including the times at which

cremation services may occur and the disposal of ashes.

Section 20 enables the expenditure of money by councils

for the clearing, cleaning, repairing and tidying of any closed,

disused or derelict cemetery or other place of burial, and

includes the removal and disposal of tablets, monuments, etc.

This does not include the removal of remains.

P A R T S I X :

D E V E L O P M E N T O F C O N S E R V A T I O N P O L I C Y


Part V deals with regulations in relation to cremation and

the erection of crematoria. It gives powers to councils to make

bylaws for their management. These include the ability to

regulate the manner in which cremations are to be carried out,

the fixing of a scale of fees payable for cremation, as well as

the use of any building provided for the preservation of ashes.

The Burial and Cremation (Removal of Monuments and

Tablets) Regulations 1967 make provision for the removal of

dilapidated or neglected monuments from cemeteries and

burial grounds that are still in use (i.e. have not been closed).

The intention of these provisions is that once land has

been used as a cemetery or a burial ground, any other use of

it (apart from clearance of monuments/tablets, grassing and

planting) is not permitted. When cemeteries have been

needed for other purposes such as the taking of land from the

Symonds Street Cemetery for the construction of Grafton

Bridge, special enabling legislation was passed.

The general effect of the relevant provisions of the Burial

and Cremation Act do not enable the reuse of space which

has been used for burial purposes. Furthermore, it is the

intention of the Act that once cemeteries are closed, they will

be maintained in perpetuity by some body appointed by the

Minister of Health. New legislation would be required to

enable the reuse of burial plots should this ever be considered

at Waikumete.

In the case of Waikumete, the initiative to prepare the

Management Plan arose out of a need to provide more

planned management of the area in order to be able to best

direct the limited resources available for the management of

the Cemetery. Concerns were also raised that the Cemetery's

heritage resources were not being adequately managed and

conserved.

Resource Management Act 1991

The Resource Management Act 1991 relates to the use of

land, air and water101 and promotes the sustainable manage-

ment of natural and physical resources102 including cultural,

heritage and landscape values.

Section 31 establishes the functions that Territorial Local

Authorities (TLA's), in this case Waitakere City Council, shall

undertake in order to give effect to the Act in their districts. As

it relates to Waikumete this includes, but is not limited to:

� The protection of areas of significant indigenous vegeta-

tion and significant habitats of indigenous fauna (S.6(c));

� Recognition and provision for the relationship of Maori

with ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu and other

taonga (S.6(e));

� Having particular regard for the recognition and protection

of heritage values of sites, buildings, places or areas

(S.7(g));

� The establishment and review of objectives, policies and

methods to achieve integrated management of the effects

of the use, development or protection of land and

associated natural and physical resources (S.31(1));

� The control of any actual or potential effects of the use,

development or protection of land (S.31(2));

� The responsibility to consider the Historic Places Register

when preparing a District Plan and plan changes

(S.74(b)(iia));

� Consideration of the assessment of effects on the

environment must recognise any effect on natural and

physical resources having aesthetic, recreational,

scientific, historical, spiritual or cultural, or other special

value for present and future generations (Fourth

Schedule).

As a heritage protection authority under this Act, Council

has the power to impose heritage orders on places of

significant heritage value.

Historic Places Act 1993

The purpose of the Historic Places Act 1993 is to:

"Promote the identification, protection, preservation and

conservation of the historical and cultural heritage of New

Zealand."

Waikumete Cemetery is classed as an "archaeological

101 Resource Management Act 1991, p.8.102 Resource Management Act 1991, (s.5 (1)).

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site" under this Act due to its association with human activity

prior to 1900. Archaeological sites are defined in the Act as

any place in New Zealand that was associated with human

history that occurred before 1900 and/or may be able through

investigation by archaeological methods to provide evidence

relating to the history of New Zealand.

Sections 10 and 20 apply to archaeological sites. They

state that archaeological sites are not to be destroyed or

modified, and provide that application can be made to do so.

This requires that an 'authority to modify' is required from the

Historic Places Trust prior to any work which may result in

modifications in the older parts of the Cemetery.

The Act also provides for identification and registration of

historic places or historic areas if the place or area possesses

aesthetic, archaeological, cultural, historical, scientific, social,

spiritual, technological or traditional significance. As an owner

of any building registered under this Act, the Council must

consult with the Historic Places Trust when work is undertaken

that may affect these places. The Chapel of Faith in the Oaks

(Mortuary Chapel) is registered under the Historic Places Act.

Regulatory Environment

Waitakere City Proposed District Plan

In order to give effect to its responsibilities under the

Resource Management Act (1991), the Council is required to

prepare, implement and administer a District Plan. The

Proposed District Plan uses a number of regulatory layers in

relation to the Cemetery to ensure the purpose of the Act is

met. Firstly the site is designated for "cemetery purposes".

Secondly this designation is subject to some District Plan

rules, notably the Natural Area Rules and the Heritage Rules.

Thirdly the site has an underlying Human Environment

identification - Open Space - and fourthly it is overall a

Category I Heritage item, with some trees and buildings

specifically listed. Activities and works in the Cemetery may

therefore be subject to both the Resource Consent process

and the Outline Plan of Works process under the Resource

Management Act 1991.

1. Designation

The site is designated for "cemetery purposes" under the

Proposed District Plan. The effect of a designation is that it

removes the requirement to obtain Resource Consents for

many activities and gives the requiring authority - Waitakere

City Council - the ability to do anything which is in accordance

with the designation.

An Outline Plan of Works is required for all works that are

in accordance with the designation under section 176A of the

Resource Management Act 1991. An Outline Plan must show

the bulk and location of a work, proposed landscaping, parking

and how any adverse effects on the environment can be

mitigated. Council can request the Requiring Authority to make

changes to the proposals in order to avoid, remedy or mitigate

environmental effects. In addition, the works must meet the

Natural Area, Heritage, Natural Hazards, Contaminated Sites,

and Hazardous Facilities Rules. If the proposed works would

not comply with any of those rules then a Resource Consent

would be required.

(It should be noted that works is defined in the RMA as

something constructed - so tree trimming and grass mowing,

etc for maintenance purposes and/or the day to day opera-

tions of running a cemetery would not fall into this and would

therefore not require an Outline Plan. However, they would

still need to meet the Natural Area, Heritage Rules and other

specified rules of the Plan to which the designation is subject.)

Prior to any work being undertaken in accordance with the

designation, the following information needs to be provided to

the Resource Consents section of Council:

� Sufficient drawings and information to adequately illustrate

the proposal (as required by section 176A of the Resource

Management Act) showing:

- height, bulk, shape of the work

- location on the site

- likely finished contour of the site

- vehicle access circulation and provision for parking

- proposed landscaping

- details of the effects the work or project will have on

the environment (having regard to the 4th Schedule of

the RMA). In addition, the forecasting methods used

to assess longer term and cumulative effects shall be

provided

� A written statement detailing the degree to which the work

meets the policies, objectives and rules of the District

Plan;



� A written statement outlining what consents (if any) are

required under the rules of the Plan that the designation is

subject to;

� The proposed sequence and timing of implementation of

the work or project, clearly identifying any part of the work

which may not be commenced for 5 years or more;

� Proposals for the use and maintenance of those parts of

the land which will not be developed for 5 or more years.

In particular, identification of those buildings and other

structures which could continue to be used and main-

tained in the meantime;

� Where hazardous substances may be used in the

construction or operation of the work or project, the

degree of risk to public health and safety arising from the

storage, use, disposal or transportation of such sub-

stances shall be evaluated.

2. District Plan Rules

The designation is also subject to the relevant Natural

Area Rules, and the City Wide Rules of the Plan relating to

noise, natural hazards, hazardous facilities, and contaminated

sites and heritage.

Therefore, even though works may be undertaken in

accordance with the designation - (subject to an Outline Plan

of Works), Resource Consents may be required in relation to

these rules. The Natural Area and Heritage Rules would be

the main areas where there may be an issue and compliance

with the District Plan is required. Where activities are not in

accordance with the designation, then they must meet the

requirements of the underlying Human Environment of the

Cemetery - Open Space - as well as any other relevant District

Plan rule including the Heritage and Natural Area rules. This

would include all activities not immediately associated with the

day-to-day operation of the Cemetery.

3. Open Space Environment Identification

The Human Environment identification under the Pro-

posed District Plan (or zoning) of Waikumete Cemetery is

Open Space Environment. Rules in the Open Space Environ-

ment manage the effects of buildings, traffic generation, glare,

noise and infrastructure on surrounding people and property,

and largely relate to whether a Reserve Management Plan is

in place for the land or not. Where no Reserve Management

Plan is in place, activities are generally non-complying; where

a Reserve Management Plan is in place, most activities are

Permitted.

4. Heritage Categorisation

The designation is subject to the Heritage Rules of the

Proposed District Plan. The whole area of the Cemetery is

listed in the Waitakere City Council District Plan as a Category

1 Heritage Item, its significance being attributed to its regional,

cultural, historic, community, visual, pattern and sense of

place values.

In addition, the Plan also lists various items that have

heritage significance to Waitakere City. Listed items are shown

as notations on the Human Environment Maps and are further

detailed in the Heritage Appendix of the Proposed District

Plan. Within Waikumete Cemetery these items include

buildings and listed trees and are shown in Table Six.

All work to be undertaken in relation to listed heritage

items must comply with the Heritage rules. A Resource

Consent is required to modify, alter or demolish heritage

buildings/structures or to undertake pruning, removal or any

work within the dripline of a listed tree. However, it is a

Permitted Activity to repair and maintain a heritage item.

Trimming of trees and grass cutting essential for the day-to-

day operation of the Cemetery would fall into this category,

and although they would not require consent under the

Heritage rules, they would be subject to the other rules that

the designation is subject to, including the Natural Area Rules.

The District Plan heritage categories are defined as

follows:

Category I

Structures of high value, which should not be modified or

modified only minimally. All Category I heritage items require a

Conservation Plan to be prepared prior to any application for

modification.

Category II

Structures of value, but where change could be consid-

ered if it is in keeping with the character. This category mostly

includes dwellings. No demolition would be considered.



Category III

Structures of value, but where change could be consid-

ered if it is in keeping with the character. These items are

good examples of their kind. This category recognised the

need for greater flexibility in terms of the management of the

items. Demolition may be considered according to stipulated

criteria.

Due to its classification as an archaeological site under

the Historic Places Act and its ranking as a Category I

Heritage Item, these rules are particularly relevant in

Waikumete Cemetery, where vegetation clearance may be

required or where modification or development work is to be

undertaken. This includes the development of areas for new

grave sites and the upgrading of roads and walking tracks.

Listed Heritage Items within Waikumete Cemetery

Item Description Category LegalDescription

Listed Buildings

Faith in the Finely detailed small masonry Chapel building built in 1880's I Pt Allot 248 DP 11643Oaks Chapel with plaster walls and pitched slate roof - significance

attributed to historic, architectural, community, visual andsense of place values.

Mausoleums Masonry mausoleums - significance attributed to historical I Pt Allot 248 DP 11643values.

Sexton's House Triple gabled weatherboard bay villa built in 1886 - II Pt Allot 248 Parishsignificance attributed to architectural, historical, visual and of Waikomitisense of place values.

Listed Trees English Oak, Norfolk Pine, Southern Blue Gum.

Table Ten: Listed Heritage Items Within Waikumete Cemetery

5. Natural Area Identification

The Natural Area identification in the proposed District

Plan manages the effects of activities on the environment.

The different parts of the Cemetery are identified as different

Natural Areas within the Plan depending on their differing

ecological values. In particular the significance of the gumland

vegetation and much of the vegetation in the gully systems

are recognised, with the majority of the gumland area

identified as Managed Natural Area (significant native

vegetation with a high level of protection) and a portion

identified as Protected Natural Area (outstanding native

vegetation with the highest level of protection given to

vegetation in the Plan).

Lower quality vegetation in the gully areas is identified as

Restoration Natural Area (a moderate level of protection)

recognising its habitat values and contribution to the overall

whole. In addition, the Gaden Stream and its tributaries are

also identified as important habitat areas with Riparian

Margins Natural Areas placed over them.

All vegetation clearance, earthworks, and establishment of

impermeable surfaces within the Managed, Protected,

Riparian Margins, and Restoration Natural Areas requires a

Resource Consent.

The remainder of the Cemetery is identified as General

Natural Area, or Ecological Linkage Opportunity. In these

areas removal or work within the dripline of native trees 3m

high or greater, or removal of exotic trees 6m or higher,

requires a Resource Consent.

Waitakere City Bylaws

Waitakere City Council Bylaw No. 18 1990 relates to

cemeteries and crematoria. This sets out policies and

procedures relating to burials including exclusive rights, term



of purchase and plot size, and the transfer of the right of

burial. It also establishes a charging regime and specifies the

depths of graves as well as the plans and specifications

required for vaults.

It establishes the conditions under which plots can be

enclosed and memorials erected, as well as disinterments.

Lawn and berm cemetery areas are subject to specific

requirements relating to size and overall design, and crema-

tions are provided for, including the times of cremations, the

coffin design, the disposal of ashes, and the provision of niche

walls.

Non Statutory Documents andRequirements

Requirements of Tangata Whenua

As a body exercising functions and powers under the

Resource Management Act 1991, the Council is required to

take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (s.8).

The Treaty requires that the management of all areas of land

is to have due regard for the rights and traditions of Maori.

Waikumete contains a Urupa, established in 1996, and there

are a number of Maori buried in other areas of the Cemetery.

The Urupa Committee has been involved with the develop-

ment of this Conservation and Management Plan, as have

Council's Te Taumata Runanga Committee.

Te Kawerau a Maki and Ngati Whatua both claim

manawhenua over the area containing the Cemetery. Both iwi

were sent letters advising of the preparation of the Plan

followed by a copy of the Draft Plan for comment.

ICOMOS New Zealand Charter

This national charter has been adopted by a number of

TLA's and national heritage protection agencies. It sets out a

series of principles to guide the conservation of places of

cultural heritage value. A statement of professional practice, it

is intended as a frame of reference for all those who are

involved in the different aspects of managing heritage places

(see Appendix 13).

Waitakere City Council has formally adopted this Charter.

Accordingly the management of Waikumete, especially where

it is in relation to the older parts of the Cemetery and any

restoration or upgrading work, must have regard to ICOMOS

principles.

Waitakere City Parks Strategy

Waikumete Cemetery has been identified within the Parks

Strategy as the largest area of publicly owned open space in

the urban part of Waitakere City. Many people already actively

use it for recreation. The Parks Strategy identifies that

provided this use does not conflict with the functioning of the

Cemetery as a burial and cremation ground, passive recrea-

tional uses should be increased.

The significant ecological values of the gumland areas are

recognised as being important to the Green Network. In

particular, the ecological linkages to Singer Park and along the

Waikumete Stream to Parrs Park are recognised. A pedestrian

linkage between these areas has also been signalled in the

draft Parrs Park Reserve Management Plan.

Waikumete Cemetery also plays an important role as part

of the open space around the Glen Eden Town Centre. The

Parks Strategy signals that greater integration between the

town centre and the Cemetery would be desirable. Upgrading

of the Eucalyptus Avenue entrance to encourage these links

would be desirable.

Council is preparing a Heritage Strategy for the City to be

completed within the 2002/2003 financial year. Opportunities

created by the Heritage Strategy to further enhance and

protect the heritage values of the Cemetery will be

investigated.

Requirements of Council and Business Unit

Management Structure

Council's current Funding Policy for Waikumete Cemetery

and Crematorium states:

"Burial and Crematorium services, including maintenance

of plots, will be funded from user charges. The level of user

charges will cover the cost of debt servicing and the decline in

service potential of the assets."

Waikumete Cemetery offers a tiered price differential,

based on the desirability of burial sites within Waikumete, to



recover associated costs as indicated by the Funding Policy.

Though this may have resulted in increased burial revenues, it

has not disadvantaged those residents with limited spending

power and is comparable with other cemetery plot fees in the

region.

Due to the age of the cremators at Waikumete Cremato-

rium, the issue of their replacement needs to be addressed.

They are dated, both in condition and design, and were

intended to have a working life of approximately 20 years. If

the decision is made to close the Crematorium, it is likely that

the Chapels would still remain open to the public for services.

Burials currently account for less than 5% of services under-

taken in the Chapels, the majority of services being related to

cremations. A cost benefit analysis for the continued provision

of cremation services at Waikumete has been commenced

and options are being considered by Council.

The Council is also faced with the financial cost of

upgrading the Crematorium in relation to air discharges. The

Auckland Regional Council (ARC) has produced legislation -

'Air, Land & Water Plan' - in relation to air discharge which is

expected to become operational in 2004. Authorities responsi-

ble for facilities that discharge material into the air will then

have to comply. Failure to comply will result in closure of the

facility until such time as all compliance legislation is adhered

to.

There is sufficient crematorium capacity within Auckland to

cater for all deaths should Waikumete Crematorium cease to

operate for any reason. North Shore Memorial Park has

installed a second new cremator; Purewa Crematorium has

one new cremator and is anticipating installing a second;

Mangere Crematorium, which has been in operation for

approximately seven years, has two low capacity cremators

that will comply with any air discharge regulations; and

Manukau Memorial Park has one new cremator.

Relationships with the Funeral Industry

Good relations with this key stakeholder group can be

beneficial to the operation of the business. The qualities of

services provided and staff presentation all suffer peer

pressure from the funeral industry. The Manager of

Grave decoration



Waikumete visits all funeral directors that use Waikumete on a

regular basis. Information discussed relates to how services

can be enhanced and possible future developments. A

promotional brochure for all aspects of memorial areas for the

interment of ashes is forwarded to Funeral Directors and

families of the deceased. The numbers of cremations at

Waikumete decreased almost 40% over the 1998/99 financial

year due to the emergence of a private operator in Waitakere

City.

Grave Decoration

Guidelines for the decoration of graves have been

developed in conjunction with the Pacific Island and other

interested communities. These allow for both the level of

decoration and commemoration felt appropriate by these

communities, and the constraints of maintenance of grave

areas by the Cemetery management. A copy of these

guidelines is contained in the Landscape and Enhancement

Plan.

Market and Market Share

There are six crematoriums in the Auckland region, none

of which are currently working to full capacity. As a result of

this over capacity, the market is price sensitive. The lowest

cost for a cremation in the Auckland region is approx $200

(incl. GST), with the highest cost being $255 (incl. GST).

During 1998/99 Waikumete dealt with approximately 20% of

the total deaths in the Auckland region. In earlier years all

deaths in Auckland were serviced by only two crematoriums

(Waikumete and Purewa), each crematorium conducting about

2,000 to 2,500 cremations per year.

Market Share 103

Service Waikumete North Shore Purewa Manukau Mangere MorrisonsOffered Memorial

Gardens

Burials 23% 14% 9% 34% 20% n/a

Cremations 12% 25% 20% 28% 6% 9%

Table Eleven: Market Share

Constraints on Investigation andModification

Burials and Cremations

Current Situation

Waikumete Cemetery serves mainly the burial needs of

Waitakere City and the central and western parts of Auckland.

In recent years Waikumete has accounted for approximately

10% more interments than the percentage of deaths occurring

in that part of Auckland. This reflects the fact that Waikumete

functions as the main facility for a substantial part of the

central Auckland urban area (i.e. the Auckland Isthmus).

It also reflects the fact that other available cemeteries in

central Auckland are situated on the eastern side of the

isthmus (i.e. the cemeteries of Waikaraka, Hillsborough and

Otahuhu run by Auckland City, and the Purewa Cemetery and

Crematorium run by an Anglican Trust). As a result,

Waikumete is the closest cemetery for much of the population

in the western part of the Auckland isthmus.

Burial plots currently cost from $1,300 to $2,850 (exclu-

sive of digging fees). Adult cremations are about $236. Burials

account for about 45% of disposals at present and cremations

about 55%. It is estimated in this current competitive environ-

ment that an average of some 600 cremations and 500 burials

per year will occur at Waikumete.

The north-western end of the Cemetery is currently the

main area of lawn cemetery for general burials. These areas

are divided into lawn and berm areas and there is a relatively

even preference for burial in each of these areas.

103 Annual figures supplied by respective Cemetery Managers during Cemetery visits in May 1998.



The recent establishment of an Ecoburial area also

provides for alternative burials for those who want to be buried

in an environmentally friendly manner. The conditions for

Ecoburial require that there is no provision made to reserve

plots, and plots will only be dug as single depth graves.

Caskets can only be made of natural untreated timbers and

bodies cannot be embalmed. The cost of the Ecoburial

includes the planting and maintenance of a tree over the

grave. There are approximately 20 plots developed and as at

November 2002, two Ecoburials have been undertaken.

Ash interment is provided in a number of areas adjacent to

the Chapels. These areas include Ash Lawns, Memorial

Gardens, Family Memorial Gardens, Columbarium Niche

Walls, and the Returned Servicemen's Cremation Lawn. The

names of those whose cremated remains have been scattered

can be memorialised on the Memorial Wall of Remembrance

or in the Book of Memories.

Currently Waikumete offers more memorialisation than

any other cemetery in Auckland. A small number of burials

also occur in the older parts of the Cemetery. This averages

between six to ten burials per year as well as a small number

of cremations. New burial plots tend to be at the start or end

of rows and interments into existing graves are careful to

minimise disturbance to the original structure.

Current Capacity

Based on the present trends of cremations over burials,

there is at least enough capacity at Waikumete for another 10-

15 years of burials in areas which are presently being used or

have been set aside for this purpose (refer Map 5, Appendix

15). Currently about 10% of the Cemetery area is actively

being used for interments.

Waikumete Cemetery is both a multi-cultural and interde-

nominational cemetery that provides for a wide range of

nationalities and religions as well as areas for the armed

services. Unlike the older areas of the Cemetery that were

divided into distinct groups, the modern lawn development

format of the Cemetery does not tend to distinguish between

religious or cultural groups. The only departure from this is

where specific groups have requested their own areas. At

Waikumete this is currently restricted to the armed services,

Orthodox and Liberal Jews, Muslims, and the Urupa.

Future Expansion of the Cemetery

Due to its encirclement by urban development, future

expansion of Waikumete is restricted to within the existing

cemetery area. The development of additional areas for

interments needs to take into account population and burial

trends and also the availability of space in other cemeteries

within the Auckland region. The analysis of this information will

then enable more informed decision making on:

� the actual need to clear additional areas;

� the most efficient development of existing areas of the

Cemetery currently being used and set aside for

interments;

� the "retiring" of older parts of the Cemetery.

Waikumete Cemetery is operated as a business unit. The

Council Funding Policy states that the Cemetery business unit

must be self-funding. Revenue is largely earned through

cremations, ash interment, and the selling of burial plots. To

enable long term planning, the Conservation and Reserve

Management Plan has assumed that the Cemetery is to

continue operating for at least another 30 years.

Given that existing areas developed for burials only have

enough capacity for another 10-15 years, resources need to

be set aside to investigate the development of new areas. This

will need to include factors such as gradient (maximum is 1:5),

ground stability, access, cost effectiveness, and the need to

protect areas of high vegetation and natural value.

The critical factor in assessing future requirements for

interments is the availability of space for earth burials rather

than ash scattering or burial. Casket or shroud burials require

more room and are subject to more limiting factors than ash

disposal. A preliminary investigation based on using a contour

map, the ecological survey results, and a recent aerial

photograph, identified a number of areas that are worthy of

further investigation (refer Map 5, Appendix 15). A significant

finding was that almost all of the low to moderate value

vegetation areas were too steep or wet when evaluated

against the site requirements for burial plots.

It is not considered prudent to seriously consider using the

unused plots in the eastern area of the old part of the

Cemetery. Due to the state of the roads and the general

overgrown nature of the area, high costs would be involved



with the upgrading of roads and accessways as well as site

preparation. There is also the risk of damage to existing

features of cultural and historic significance.

Additional development in the older areas of the Cem-

etery, however, should not be entirely ruled out. It is possible

that investigation of the better maintained areas to the west of

Acmena Avenue around Narcissus Gully and Amber Crescent

Gully may be worthwhile, as there are large numbers of

unused plots in these areas.

Research should also be undertaken into the various

options available for burials. An Australian system of pre-cast

concrete vaults has recently been developed. This has the

advantage of being able to be built quickly and efficiently and

the method of placement in the ground substantially reduces

the amount of labour required as well as the amount of ground

disturbance.

Additional land for the scattering or deposition of ashes

needs to take into account that the scattering of ashes can

affect soil conditions because human ashes are reported to

concentrate certain minerals that adversely affect plant

growth. The interment of suitably contained ashes in ash plots

may be preferable to scattering104. Many of the areas identified

as not suitable or appropriate for burials would, however, be

suitable for ash scattering.

Invasive Plants

A number of invasive plant species have been described

in Part 2 (Natural History, Environmentally Damaging Plants)

of this Plan. These species continue to have a significant

effect on the natural and heritage values of the Cemetery. It is

intended that a Weed Management Plan will be prepared as

part of the Landscape and Enhancement Plan. In the first

three years of control, efforts will be focused on the initial

control of a number of priority species and will target those

areas of greatest ecological, botanical and heritage signifi-

cance. This will concentrate on the following areas:

� Removal or poisoning in situ of woody weeds threatening

graves in the older parts of the Cemetery;

� Control of weeds causing the greatest threat to high

ecological value areas in the Western gumlands (e.g.

hakea, wattle, pines, climbing asparagus, Japanese

honeysuckle, pampas, tall fescue);

� Control of ginger, mistflower and other environmental

weeds in the Crocus Road to Watsonia Road gully;

� Eradication of low level infestations of priority weeds (e.g.

moth plant, woolly nightshade) across the Cemetery;

� Control of herbaceous weeds in areas adjacent to the

Wildflower Sanctuary (principally bulbil watsonia).

Restoration and Enhancement Planting

A number of areas in the Cemetery have been planted as

new developments have occurred or existing areas have been

extended. This has served to extend the areas of native

species in the Cemetery and has also provided a better buffer

to existing areas of bush. It is important that this practice

continues to occur in a planned form, identifying areas where

this is appropriate and areas where it is not appropriate.

The eastern gullies, dominated by native forest in most

cases, extend right up to or overtop the graves with their

canopies sometimes extending 5-10m over graves, particularly

along the north-western edges. In these areas, revegetation or

enhancement planting is not an option if the graves are to be

maintained. However, in places where there are open areas or

weedy scrub between the forest margin and graves, there are

opportunities for enhancement planting of native eco-sourced

plants to increase the forest's width. Mixed plantings of native

species like pukatea, maire tawake and kahikatea are

appropriate in the wetter areas; and totara, matai, puriri,

kohekohe, nikau, kowhai and karaka on the more fertile but

drier upper slopes.

The other more weedy gullies in the central area of the

Cemetery would be better candidates for more intensive weed

control and planting, i.e. removal of the problem exotic canopy

and understorey species and planting of conifers and broad-

leaved trees in similar combinations to the forests in the east.

Key weeds to be considered for control in these areas include

kahili ginger, pampas, Japanese honeysuckle, wandering Jew,

Chinese privet, tree privet, Sydney golden wattle, brush and

black wattle, monkey apple, and woolly nightshade.

104 Elliot, 1994.



A number of the gully bottoms support degraded wetlands,

some of which are good candidates for weed control and

enhancement planting. The worst weeds requiring some form

of control in these areas are willows, kahili ginger, kikuyu

grass, exotic sedges, and Japanese honeysuckle.

Native species suitable for enhancement planting in these

areas include Baumea rubiginosa, Carex spp., Juncus spp.,

swamp millet (Isachne globosa), cabbage tree, raupo, maire

tawake, and kahikatea (appropriate around some margins).

The restoration of Otukaikino Swamp north of Christchurch, a

joint venture between the Department of Conservation and

Lamb and Hayward Funeral Directors, could provide a suitable

model for this work. The swamp is systematically being

cleared of grey (Salix cinera) and crack willow and other

invasive weeds. Bereaved families donate money through the

funeral directors (who also donate) for the project in memory

of the deceased105.

Fire

Fire has had a significant role to play in the development

of the Cemetery to the form that it is in today. Logging of the

original kauri forest cover traditionally involved the use of fire

to clear the land following the removal of the trees. Fire was

also used to prepare land for grazing and burial sites when the

Cemetery was being established in the 1880's.

The gumland vegetation that remains today stands as

testament to the successive fires that have burned through the

surrounding area historically and since the development of the

Cemetery. Successive arsons in the last ten years have

resulted in a large area at the western end of the Cemetery

being regularly burned. This area is bounded by houses and

glasshouses at the northern end and is also adjacent to the

area of Cemetery being used presently for burials.

The reoccurrence of fires within the Cemetery has become

a major public safety issue and has resulted in firebreaks

being developed along the north-western end of the

gumlands. Minimising the effects of fire in these areas needs

to be built into current and future Cemetery management

practices. This should include removal and ongoing control of

flammable species (such as pampas and hakea) from within

the gumlands (practically, this may only be achievable along

the edges), the maintenance of firebreaks and the careful

selection of species to be planted within and along areas

prone to being burned. These will have to be hardy to cope

with the infertile soils that experience soil water deficit during

the summer. Suitable species include karamu, kumerahou,

karaka, kohuhu, koromiko (Hebe stricta), and puka (Griselinia

lucida). While controlled use of fire may be the most success-

ful method of retaining the habitat conditions suitable for many

of the uncommon and threatened plants in the gumland areas,

this will need to be further investigated before any trials could

be undertaken.

Drainage and Water Reticulation

The Cemetery is underlain by predominantly heavy clay

soils that are not free draining. The original planning of the

Cemetery layout (which includes roads and tracks) does not

appear to have effectively dealt with this limitation. As a result,

a number of burial areas have been constructed on overland

flow paths. Compounding the problem is that many of the old

roads have problems with water running underneath or over

them, causing cracking and potholes.

In recognition of this problem, all new berms constructed

from 1996 have drainage installed underneath them. Roading

upgrades have been undertaken with consideration given to

improving drainage patterns.

The management of stormwater and drainage on the site

needs to take into account natural water flows and the need to

reduce impermeable surfaces wherever possible. New road

and track upgrades need to dispense with curb and channel-

ling and develop grass swales and flow paths away from these

surfaces instead. Serious consideration should be given to the

use of permeable road and track surfacing. Consideration is

also to be given to the establishment of a constructed wetland

at the southern end of the Cemetery, near Great North Road.

This would serve as a filter for stormwater generated within

the Cemetery as well as that which flows in from Great North

Road.

Water reticulation in the Cemetery is also an issue. Much

of the original network of pipes still remains. These pipes were

105 Landcare Research Conference paper in Whaley, 1999, p.56.



only galvanised on the outside and as a result many are

rotting out causing leaks and bursts throughout the Cemetery.

In recent years small sections have been replaced with new

pipe as problems are found. However, this problem will

continue and consideration needs to be given to committing

resources to a progressive programme of replacing all the old

pipes. The establishment of new facilities that require water,

such as additional toilets, should be planned in a manner that

their use of water is minimal. The installation of rainwater

tanks to catch water for toilet flushing, as has been recently

installed in the new toilet along Waitakere View Road, is a

good example.

Vandalism

Vandalism is an ongoing problem in the Cemetery and

tends to increase during school holidays. This is generally

directed at headstones, which are broken or pushed over, and

graffiti-ing of headstones and other features in the older parts

of the Cemetery.

Vandalism undermines the heritage value of the Cemetery

as a whole, as well as detracting from the visual environment

and causing distress to the relatives of the deceased whose

headstones are damaged. It is also a drain on already

stretched budgets.

Experience in cemeteries around the world has shown that

there are a number of effective measures to reduce the level

of vandalism. These include:

� night lighting;

� regular patrols (by police or staff);

� provision of direct visual access from surrounding areas;

� community education;

� better maintenance of areas prone to vandalism;

� prompt action after attack (removal of graffiti, stacking of

broken material).

Management practices in Waikumete need to incorporate

these measures wherever possible in areas that are prone to

vandalism.

Ownership of Monuments

The monuments erected in the Cemetery are owned by

the families of the person buried within the grave or whose

ashes are interred beneath the monument. Families are

therefore responsible for the maintenance of the grave site

and monument. In many instances families and communities

(e.g. the Hebrew Society) are undertaking this maintenance.

Intervention by the Cemetery Management or community

groups to repair or restore damaged monuments can only be

undertaken, therefore, after the owners of the monuments

have been notified and given the opportunity to refuse

approval for such repair. Generally such notification will be

given through public notices in the local papers and through

signage placed on the Cemetery site.

Visitor Use

Waikumete Cemetery receives in excess of 100,000

visitors per annum. Significant numbers of these people visit

the Cemetery as a recreational pastime whether it be walking,

jogging or picnicking. The Cemetery also provides consider-

able opportunities for those interested in local and regional

history and genealogy. These passive recreational activities

should be encouraged as they generate a high level of support

for the maintenance of the Cemetery as an open space.

Heritage walks and other events, such as wildflower

management, are undertaken regularly by the Friends of

Waikumete. Since they also generate a lot of interest in the

Cemetery, it is important that activities such as these are

supported and encouraged, as they provide opportunities for

people to better appreciate the Cemetery.

Other activities such as mountain biking, horse riding and

motor biking off formed roads should be actively discouraged.

They disturb the tranquillity of the Cemetery, damage tracks

and roads, and create new tracks which can often lead to

erosion and damage to surrounding vegetation. Every effort

should be taken to prevent these activities. Measures may

include planting or the placement of barriers over tracks that

have been formed as a result of these activities, and prosecu-

tion or fines for repeat offenders.

Management

Poorly planned management practices can also be a

threat to the cultural and heritage values of the Cemetery.



These include the dumping of rubbish and grave spoil into

gullies, and the use of internal tracks in wet periods causing

rutting and pooling of water as well as structural damage to

surfaces. It may also include use by staff or contractors who

are not fully briefed on the level of care that needs to be taken

when working in areas with significant values, whether they be

historic or natural.

It is vital that maintenance and management programmes

are planned well in advance wherever possible and that staff,

contractors and volunteers are adequately appraised of the

limitations that may be placed on work in some areas as a

result of the proximity of a particular feature.

There are also a number of areas of work that should only

be done by suitably qualified or trained people. These include

the pruning of heritage trees and plants, and the repair or

maintenance of grave structures. All developments in the

Cemetery must be planned in advance and include identifica-

tion of significant features likely to be affected or in close

proximity to the planned work. During the period that the work

is being done, regular monitoring should be undertaken to

ensure that these conditions are being met.

Initial work undertaken for the Landscape and Enhance-

ment Plan has identified 6 principles to determine priorities for

capital and maintenance work:

� Those that address both conservation and operational

objectives, e.g. upgrading roads in older areas which can

be developed for future burials.

� Projects that will reduce future maintenance costs, e.g.

converting higher maintenance assets to lower mainte-

nance assets.

� Projects where volunteers do most of the work and the

cost to Council is low, e.g. Wildflower Sanctuary, Conser-

vation Corps projects.

� Projects that, if delayed, will result in significantly higher

maintenance costs to Council, e.g. control of invasive

weeds currently in low numbers.

� Projects that, if delayed, will result in significant further

deterioration of the conservation values of the Cemetery,

e.g. preservation of archival material, stopping the

dumping of grave spoil in gullies and bush areas, drainage

and stormwater issues, and closing dirt tracks.

� Projects that would expand the uses of the Cemetery

resulting in a greater public benefit in the use of Council

funds, e.g. interpretation, self-guided walks, and foot-

paths.

Access

Currently there are a number of vehicle access points into

the Cemetery. The main entrance is located off Great North

Road, with a subsidiary entrance provided at the south-

eastern end off Waikumete Road. There is also another entry

in off Sunhill Road, but due to problems with high speed

through-traffic, this entrance is only opened on very busy

days.

Due to the busy nature of Great North Road, it is often

difficult to exit the Cemetery to go south there. This has the

effect of traffic banking up inside the Cemetery and causing

congestion in both directions, as all roads within the Cemetery

are two-way. This can be distressing for people who are

visiting the Cemetery or who are involved with a funeral.

In addition, there is considerable congestion on busy days

(particularly associated with large services held in the Chapel).

Cars are exiting and entering the Cemetery, mourners are

trying to find parks, and pedestrians are moving in amongst

the vehicles on their way to and from services. Mourners often

have to park a long distance away from the Chapels, which

can prove distressing when there is bad weather.

There is a very real need to address this issue. There are

opportunities at the northern end of the Crematorium to

develop more parking. Consideration needs to be given to

establishing a one-way system around the entrance to the

chapels and an investigation of an alternative route for traffic

out of the Cemetery needs to be undertaken.

Within the Cemetery, vehicle access is also an issue.

Many of the roads in the older parts of the Cemetery are in

extremely poor condition and are hazardous to car traffic. It is

intended that the Landscape and Enhancement Plan will

include a review of the internal roading network with a view to

retiring roads that are seldom used and likely to require large

capital investment to upgrade to safe standards. These roads

could be progressively grassed and turned into walking tracks.



Speed is also an issue on a number of the newer roads

within the Cemetery. The speed limit within the Cemetery is

set at 16km per hour. Speed limit signs need to be installed at

more regular intervals and the upgrading of roads needs to be

mindful of only providing the minimum width necessary.

Congestion within the Cemetery also results on busy days

where funeral processions involve large numbers of vehicles

following the hearse and parking on the side of the road. Very

little parking is provided in the newer areas of the Cemetery

along Waitakere View Road and as a consequence, parked

vehicles obstruct the road or park on the grass verges. Road

upgrading needs to be undertaken in this area to provide

better car parking facilities. Formal car parks may not always

be possible, but sensitive design should be able to incorporate

road edge designs to allow people to park at the side of the

road without causing congestion problems.

Constraints Arising from Cultural,Landscape and Natural HeritageSignificance

Constraints Arising from Cultural Heritage Significance

Although the range of items to which individual signifi-

cance can be ascribed is very small, their collective signifi-

cance is high. Past proposals have included removal of all or

some of the headstones in the older area in order to improve

ease of maintenance; the significance of these features is

such that such a proposal cannot be accepted.

In addition to the cumulative significance of the graves,

there are discrete features that have evident individual

significance due to their architectural and aesthetic qualities

rather than association with individuals or events. These

include the Sexton's Cottage, the Chapel, the Crematorium,

some of the mausoleums and the north-east Gates. The

preparation of separate Conservation Plans for the Sexton's

Cottage, Chapel of the Faith in the Oaks, the Glenview Road

Cottage, and the Crematorium is recommended.

Apart from these specific items, any restoration or

modification of the Cemetery fabric and individual graves

needs to be viewed from the cumulative effect of the actions,

and a precautionary approach in particular with regard to the

types of materials used needs to be undertaken.

Constraints Arising from Landscape Heritage Significance

There are few specific landscape elements which in

themselves are of such significance that they should be

retained, as much of the significance of the site in terms of

landscape heritage is the culmination of all the elements

combined rather than the individual components. However, it

is considered that all of the individual elements of high

significance should be retained wherever possible.

The eucalypt plantings along Glen View Road in particular

are of high significance and should be retained. In addition,

the protection of the small number of historic specimen trees

in the older parts of the Cemetery such as the oaks, gums,

Norfolk Island pines, swamp cypress, Canary Island palm,

pohutakawas, and Italian cypress is a key requirement.

Those elements which have been identified as of moder-

ate significance (e.g. the Glenview Road hedge) should be

retained wherever possible, but can accommodate some

degree of appropriate modification consistent with their

heritage significance - including a change of species used in

planted landscape elements.

Constraints Arising from Natural Heritage Significance

The areas of high natural heritage significance (Crocus

Road - Watsonia Road Gully, Amber Crescent Gully, Western

Gumlands - pristine gumland, Amber Crescent Wetland and

the least invaded areas of the south western gumlands and

burnt gumland upper slopes) should be retained, however,

active management of these areas is required to ensure their

high natural heritage significance remains. Without active

management of the natural areas in the Cemetery, all of them

will deteriorate and priority should be placed on protecting and

enhancing the areas of highest value and suitable buffer areas

around these sites.

In addition, protection of the species diversity, and in

particular the uncommon and threatened plants within the

Cemetery, is a critical requirement. Management of burial and

gumland areas needs to be undertaken in such a way that



these sometimes small populations are fostered and remain,

at the very least, stable in size. A key aim should be the active

management of habitats suitable for all the threatened and

uncommon native plants in the Cemetery.

Approach to Conservation Policy

An important consequence of the Statements of Cultural

Heritage, Landscape Heritage and Natural Heritage is that the

whole of Waikumete Cemetery is significant to varying

degrees and that a conservation policy dealing with the site as

a whole is essential. Within this, however, it is recognised that

the older part of the Cemetery (pre 1950) is generally the area

with greatest cultural and landscape heritage significance, and

that the undeveloped gumland areas are those with the

greatest degree of natural heritage significance. The Conser-

vation Policy developed, therefore, reflects that emphasis of

significance.



General Statement ofConservation Principles

The primary purpose of Waikumete Cemetery is as a

burial ground and site for cremation, and as such is the basis

for all planning and management of the area. Overall planning

needs to be integrally linked with the significance of

Waikumete as a cultural and heritage landscape. The

following policy objectives and statements are to be used to

guide the management of the Cemetery in order to achieve

the sustainable integration of its primary purpose with its

cultural and heritage significance.

Objectives

CO1: To ensure that any conservation and/or development

activities within the Cemetery are to be co-ordinated and

carried out in accordance with best practice principles as

identified in the ICOMOS New Zealand Charter, Historic

Places Act 1993 and the Resource Management Act 1991.

CO2: To establish and implement a conservation process

that will record and manage the ongoing repair and restoration

of damaged or missing monuments, grave sites and other

constructed landscape elements.

CO3: To support ongoing research into the natural and

cultural heritage of the Cemetery as well as the recording of

significant features within the Cemetery.

CO4: To enable the recovery and maintenance of the

essential character, appearance and form of significant

heritage and natural areas so as to recall their original form,

whilst acknowledging the inevitable changes brought about by

organic growth.

CO5: To provide for the preservation, maintenance and

restoration of the significant ecological values in the Cemetery

in such a manner that ensures that both introduced and native

elements are represented in recognition of their combined

significance in the overall Cemetery landscape.

Historical and Cultural Features

Conservation Experience and Practice

General Policy:

C1.1: The conservation and management of Waikumete

Cemetery, its natural and constructed features, must conform

to internationally recognised standards of practice and

knowledge.

Implementation Policies:

C1.2: - Basis for Detailed Planning - The Statement of

Cultural Significance and the associated detailed assessments

will form the basis for overall and detailed planning for both

conservation of fabric and planning of new work.

C1.3: - Continued Use as a Cemetery - Waikumete

Cemetery will continue to be used as a place for public burials

and cremations. There must be sufficient flexibility in planning

to ensure this continued use as well as the necessary support

services and means of access, and consideration for the

natural ecological values, whilst recovering original character

and maintaining cultural significance.

C1.4: - Principal Heritage Areas - No use should be

considered which would intrude on the principal heritage areas

(those dating from prior to 1950) in the Cemetery or lead to

the loss of heritage values through further subdivision.

C1.5: - ICOMOS Charter - All adopted conservation

policies should be based implicitly on the ICOMOS NZ Charter

for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage Value.

C1.6: - Investigative and Conservation Work - All work

concerned with the investigation and conservation of historic

elements within the Cemetery is to be carried out under the

direction of persons with recognised training, specialist skills,

P A R T S E V E N :

C O N S E R V A T I O N P O L I C Y


and proven experience in conservation design, management,

technology and archaeology.

C1.7: - Continuity of Conservation Advice - There should

be continuity and consistency of relevant conservation advice

for all work within the Cemetery and its constituent parts.

C1.8: - Selection of Contractors - The selection of

contractors and other advisors for work within the Cemetery,

and in particular its significant areas, should be limited to

firms, consultants or trades persons with proven experience in

their respective fields and experience working with heritage

projects. This is to extend to contract management and

administration.

C1.9: - Contracts for Conservation Works - Contracts for

conservation works should be let separately from those

concerned with associated new development. Alternatively,

conservation works may be established on a project team

basis within a larger overall site programme, but with clear

separation of work methods and site management practices

and relationships to professional advisors.

C1.10: - Conservation Policy versus Development

Objectives - Where there is potential conflict between the

application of conservation policy and development objectives,

a method of arbitration is to be agreed in advance of resolving

such conflict in a mutually acceptable manner through the

examination and assessment of alternative strategies for each

objective. This may be dealt with by conditions imposed as

part of a Resource Consent.

C1.11: - Programme of Maintenance - A planned system-

atic programme of maintenance for the area should be

commissioned and adopted. Following its implementation,

such a plan should be regularly monitored and reviewed at

intervals of no greater than five years.

C1.12: - District Plan Heritage Identification - Prepare a

Variation to the Waitakere City District Plan which identifies all

cultural heritage features of high value in the Cemetery which

are not currently listed as District Plan Heritage Items. Reduce

the area that the District Plan Category I heritage listing which

applies to the whole Cemetery and apply it only to the historic

areas of the Cemetery, with 1950 as an approximate cut off

date for burial sites inclusion in the listing. Remove the District

Plan heritage listing which applies to all of the mausoleums

and retain this listing only for the high value historic mausolea.

C1.13: - Preparation of Landscape and Enhancement Plan

- Prepare, within 12 months of finalisation of this Conservation

and Reserve Management Plan, a Landscape and Enhance-

ment Plan which includes the following:

- Maintenance and development principles;

- Access hierarchy identifying primary, secondary and

tertiary accessways and carparking and appropriate

management practices for these;

- Information and interpretation plan;

- Weed control strategy;

- Maintenance requirements for gardens and grass areas;

- Arboricultural requirements;

- Services maintenance standards;

- Maintenance standards for existing and retired burial

areas;

- Guideline for repair and restoration of grave monuments

and features;

- Design guidelines for new furniture, paving, planting and

buildings in the Cemetery, including materials and species

appropriate for use;

- Work programme for rehabilitation;

- Detailed landscape development concepts for key parts of

the Cemetery;

- Protocols for consultation.

Management and Maintenance of the Cemetery

General Policy:

C2.1: The original features and elements of the Cemetery

should be retained and maintained along with the careful

enhancement of each significant area to convey the original

pattern. Those elements added over time which are associ-

ated with individual grave sites or historic events and which

have been identified in the Conservation Plan as having

cultural heritage significance should be incorporated and

interpreted where possible.


C2.2: - Recent Site Works - All existing site works are to

be re-evaluated in light of the cultural heritage significance of

PA RT SE V E N: CO N S E RVAT I O N PO L I C Y


the Cemetery and the need to develop and manage it in

relation to this significance. A detailed plan should be prepared

showing fabric to be retained, that to be removed, and

proposed new works as necessary or appropriate. Each area

should be subject to a formal periodic review process.

C2.3: - Archival Material - Original plans, combined with

time series photographs and the results of archival research

and physical site investigation should be used as the basis for

ongoing Cemetery conservation and planting.

C2.4: - Further Research - Further research should be

encouraged. Useful areas for research could include: identifi-

cation and location of pauper graves; monumental masons,

landscape designers and their work associated with the

cemetery; identification and graphically recording all grave

types and designs within the Cemetery; and the confirmation

of the nature of original paved surfaces and associated

landscape details.

C2.5: - Existing Research Materials - The Cemetery

record cards, Sexton's Record Books, maps and the bound

volumes of Cemetery research produced by the Genealogical

Society are valuable records and should be managed as an

archival resource. Advice should be sought from an archivist to

establish the storage and handling of this material.

C2.6: - Identification of Significant Features - A survey

plan should be prepared for each significant area to locate and

identify each existing significant feature including monuments,

grave sites, areas, specimen trees, and other significant

vegetation. The survey plan should be used as a basis for

future planting.

C2.7: - Preparation of a Maintenance Plan - A planned

programme of systematic maintenance for the Cemetery

should be prepared and adopted. This plan should make

provision for the management of repairs and structural support

or enclosure in the event of a natural disaster, vandalism or

other external threat to the fabric of the Cemetery. Such a plan

should be regularly monitored and reviewed at intervals no

greater than five years. Because of the broad nature of

maintenance required and the scale of the Cemetery, the Plan

will divide the Cemetery into workable maintenance areas.

Priority will be given to the most significant areas under the

greatest threat of loss.

C2.8: - Reinstatement of Original Features - Original

constructed features of the Cemetery, in particular significant

areas which have been removed to other locations, and the

reinstatement of which is consistent with other conservation

objectives, should if possible be recovered and reinstated

within the Cemetery.

C2.9: - New Work in Historic Area - Ensure all new work is

of consistent character to the original era of its immediate and

general context whilst clearly being identified as new work.

C2.10: - Workable Maintenance Areas - Because of the

broad nature of the maintenance required and the scale of the

Cemetery, the maintenance plan will divide the Cemetery into

workable maintenance areas. Priority should be given to the

most significant areas under the greatest threat of loss.

Conservation of Significant Cemetery Features

General Policy:

C3.1: Original features of the Cemetery are intrinsically

valuable and conservation of these should aim to intervene as

little as possible, and then only as required for their physical

preservation or protection.


C3.2: - Conservation of Original Features - All constructed

features that are original to the Cemetery and each grave site

or item which is identified as having cultural significance value

should remain on the site and is to be conserved. For such

items, processes of maintenance, stabilisation, restoration,

reconstruction or reinstatement should be employed in the

conservation of their fabric. Features with little or no cultural

significance can be adapted to new uses - as long as the

adaptation is reversible and in accordance with clause 20 of

the ICOMOS NZ Charter.

C3.3: - Removal of Original Features - Original or

significant fabric should only be removed when there is no

practicable appropriate alternative and only that which is

absolutely necessary should be replaced.

C3.4: - Reinstatement of Original Features - Original or

significant fabric should, wherever possible, be carefully

reinstated on completion of other conservation works to

recover as closely as possible the original appearance of the

affected material.



C3.5: - Record Keeping and Storage of Removed

Materials - Original materials that are removed should be

recorded, catalogued and safely stored until reinstated, or until

relocated in an appropriate alternative location on the feature.

C3.6: - Replacement of Original Features - The form and

appearance of Waikumete Cemetery should be retained and

developed in its current form as it has developed since its

opening in 1886. Original parts of grave sites and constructed

features should only be replaced with new material where:

� the original material is structurally unsound or no longer

performs its intended function or is an hazard;

� the material is so badly decayed or damaged that its

appearance will be unacceptable;

� the behaviour of the material or element has a deleterious

effect on other materials or elements or the feature as a

whole;

� elements no longer fulfil their intended purpose or fall

seriously short of modern safety standards.

C3.7: - Physical Deterioration - All causes of physical

deterioration should be identified and arrested and measures

taken to prevent their recurrence.

C3.8: - ICOMOS Charter - All processes used to eliminate

and repair physical deterioration should be consistent with

sound conservation practice and with the principles of the

ICOMOS NZ Charter (refer Appendix 13).

C3.9: - Techniques for Repair - Techniques used for repair

should, as far as practicable, be founded in traditional

technologies, with recourse to modern technological interven-

tion only where this can be wholly concealed or where it is

demonstrably indispensable for its continued satisfactory

maintenance.

C3.10: - Guidelines for New Monumental Work and Grave

Design - Prepare guidelines for the design and placement of

new monumental work and grave design for historic areas

(pre-1950) of the Cemetery.

C3.11: - Conservation of Specific Items - Commission

appropriate conservation reports for all individual or groups of

scheduled buildings and sites within the Cemetery.

C3.12: - Archaeological Features - Subsurface archaeo-

logical features should not be disturbed except where it is

appropriate for the purpose of recovering information or

exposing original features. Resources permitting, the following

work should be undertaken:

� Expose the foundations of the 1922/23 Crematorium for

the purposes of public display and interpretation;

� Investigate the trench containing discarded material in the

gully to the north/west of Anglican M&N to establish date

of deposits and recovery of significant Cemetery ele-

ments;

� Expose foundations of appropriate historic sites.

C3.13: - Discovery of New Archaeological Features - Any

archaeological features discovered during Cemetery develop-

ment are to be recorded by an archaeologist and any further

damage avoided.

C3.14: - Modification of Archaeological Features - No pre-

1900 architectural features are to be modified without an

Authority to Modify from the NZ Historic Places Trust.

C3.15: - New Monumental Work - Where new monumen-

tal work is to take place in the older parts of the Cemetery, it

should be designed and constructed in such a manner so as

not to detract from the prevailing styles in that part of the

Cemetery.

C3.16: - Monumental Standards - All new monumental

work is to be constructed to the NZ Standard for Monumental

Construction NZS4242 (1995) and to the Model Bylaws

NZS9201.

Ornaments, Graves and Monuments

General Policy:

C4.1: The repair and restoration of headstones needs to

be undertaken in a sensitive manner. The ownership of the

headstone remains with the family of the person(s) interred

and permission must be obtained from the family prior to any

work being undertaken.


C4.2: - Naturalising and Weedy Plants - In the older areas

of the Cemetery weed control programmes are to be targeted

to those species that are presently causing damage or have

the potential to damage historic features such as graves and



monuments. Invasive tree species (e.g. pohutukawa, phoenix

palms) that are damaging grave structures are to be removed

using the method which least damages the structure they are

growing around or through. Limit the planting of species

around new graves to local native species wherever possible,

and when not possible, to species that are not considered

invasive.

C4.3: - Monuments and Headstones - Repairs are to be

undertaken by professional tradesmen or skilled people only.

Where repair is not possible, broken or damaged parts should

remain with the structure they relate to. Prior to any repairs

being undertaken, the ownership of headstones needs to be

resolved and detailed photographs are to be taken to enable a

record of the original form to be maintained. Repair should

only be undertaken using the Guidelines for Repair and

Restoration, which will be developed as part of the Landscape

and Enhancement Plan.

C4.4: - Moving Monuments - Monuments moved from their

original location are to be reinstated if the correct location is

known. This is to include re-assembly and re-attachment of

parts. Removal of monuments to ensure their conservation

should only occur in extreme circumstances where the

monument is of great value and at serious risk. Removals are

to be treated as temporary measures until conservation work

can be undertaken. Location and parts of removed structures

are to be carefully recorded to enable its return to its original

site when circumstances allow. Cleaning should avoid the use

of water blasters and other abrasive methods such as sand

blasting. Where the original location cannot be found, these

individual monuments are to be placed in a section of the

Cemetery solely containing such monuments.

C4.5: - Re-erection of Broken Monuments - All Cemetery

monuments are to be retained in situ, and broken monuments

should be repaired and retained on their original site wherever

possible. Where monuments have been shattered or are

damaged beyond repair, they should be retained within the

Cemetery and conserved. Details of their provenance where

the design is significant should be recorded and kept with

Cemetery records. Where monuments are removed or are

becoming severely degraded, a plaque is to be placed on the

grave to indicate who was buried there and when, and the

current location of the monument. Where resources are

limited, priority should be given to placing plaques on graves

that are significant or very early.

C4.6: - Re-use and Continuing Use of Graves - Any plans

to re-use areas within the early/older parts of the Cemetery

are to be preceded by a thorough conservation analysis and

review, as well as consideration of social issues raised,

particularly the attitude of the families of those interred.

Encourage interment through ash burial as it causes less

damage to the grave area and does not require major

excavation or use of machinery. New inscriptions should be in

sympathy with the original design and materials wherever

possible. The addition of new monuments or tablets instead of

adding to the existing one is considered to be a viable

alternative as it retains character of the old monument and

allows the new memorial to suit today's styles.

C4.7: - Adding New Structures to Older Parts of the

Cemetery - New graves are to be carefully designed to

minimise intrusion and should not involve any modification of

adjacent gravesites or surrounds, plantings and garden beds.

Maintenance of Cemetery Records and Archives

General Policy:

C5.1: To ensure that Cemetery records continue to be

available for Cemetery administration and public research in a

form that ensures their long-term accessibility and preservation.


C5.2: - Archival Review of Early Records - The condition

of all early Cemetery records and archives (including registers

and records of burials, cremations and grave plots, as well as

maps and plans of Cemetery plots) is to be reviewed by an

archival expert.

C5.3: - Duplicate Copies of Early Records - Where the

condition of early Cemetery records is poor and continued

handling is contributing to their deterioration, duplicate copies

are to be made. It is these duplicate copies that are to be

made available to the public.

C5.4: - Handling of Early Records - As archival resources,

every effort is to be made to store the Cemetery's original

documents/records in a suitably stable and secure environ-

ment. Early Cemetery registers are to be appropriately boxed

and modified handling standards are to be adopted (e.g.

gloves used).



C5.5: - Storage of Early Records - Once copied, early

Cemetery records are to be transferred to the Council Archive

repository.

C5.6: - Documentary Evidence - All documentary evidence

associated with the Conservation Plan will be deposited at the

Council Archive repository.

C5.7: - Display of Archival Material - A permanent display

of selected archival material, drawings and photographs

should be made available within the Cemetery to further

explain the cultural heritage significance of the Cemetery.

C5.8: - Information Alignment - Information obtained

through the proposed photographic record of monuments

within the Cemetery will be aligned with the information

provided in the Cemetery registers.

Conservation of Historic LandscapeFeatures

Conservation Processes

General Policy:

C6.1: All landscape features and elements that have been

identified as adding to the historic values and cultural

significance of the Cemetery, including layout, paths, plants,

views and settings should remain on the site and should be

conserved. For such items, processes of maintenance,

stabilisation, restoration, reconstruction or reinstatement

should be employed in their conservation. Features with little

or no cultural significance can be adapted to new uses - as

long as the adaptation is in accordance with Clause 20 of the

ICOMOS NZ Charter.


C6.2: - Self Seeding Species - Particular species planted

at Waikumete are self-seeding throughout the Cemetery and

are a potential threat to historic graves and also adjacent high

value ecological areas. Where these species can be kept

successfully under control through maintenance processes,

the species will be retained and restored as necessary.

Adaptation of a minimal range of species is recommended

with 'replacement' species chosen to be compatible with the

original fabric of the landscape of the Cemetery and the

original desired landscape form as described in Clause 20 of

the ICOMOS NZ Charter.

C6.3: - Historic Landscape Elements - Establish a detailed

plan of all the historic landscape elements of the Cemetery

and update with new plantings and removals as and when

they occur.

C6.4: - Design guidelines - Design guidelines, based on

analysis of the historic landscape features of the Cemetery,

should be established to ensure that any new work does not

compromise the policies outlined in the Conservation Plan.

C6.5: - Tree and Shrub Planting List - Research the

original layout of the Cemetery and establish a period tree and

shrub planting list for the Cemetery. This should include

species lost from the Cemetery that are documented in

archival evidence.

C6.6: - District Plan Heritage Trees - Prepare a Variation

to the District Plan which identifies all significant landscape

heritage items of high value as heritage trees.

Removal of Historic Trees and Planting

General Policy:

C7.1: Identified historic trees and plantings should be

retained wherever possible. Removal of historic trees should

only occur when deteriorating health and/or death requires it

or when there is no practicable appropriate alternative. A

qualified arboricultural assessment should be undertaken prior

to any proposed removal.


C7.2: - Documentation - Any tree removals should be

documented on plans.

C7.3: - Qualifications of Workers - All work carried out

should be undertaken by a qualified arboriculturalist.

C7.4: - Photographic Record - A photographic record

should be kept of all trees/plantings to be removed.

Documentation of Landscape Changes

General Policy:

C8.1: Original plantings and elements that are removed

should be recorded and catalogued and any reinstatement/

reconstruction of those plantings noted as detailed in "New

Landscape Features and Plantings" Policy.



Maintenance of Historic Trees and Planting

General Policy:

C9.1: An initial arboricultural assessment should be

undertaken to identify required remedial work to ensure the

health and integrity of the historic plantings. Regular

arboricultural assessments should be undertaken to ensure

the continued conservation of identified historic trees.


C9.2: - Management of Historic Invasive Species -

Manage features such as the Eleagnus hedge and the

Acmena specimen trees in a manner which minimises the

likelihood of them becoming invasive. This may include

measures such as ensuring that potentially invasive species

are cut back on a regular basis.

C9.3: - Pest Management - Periodically monitor plantings

for signs of introduced pests. Where infestations are found,

undertake control before extensive damage occurs.

Restoration / Reconstruction of Historic Trees and

Planting

General Policy:

C10.1: Where removal of historic trees and plantings has

been undertaken, restoration/reconstruction of those speci-

mens is desirable to retain the original intent of the planting.

Species used should be the same as those removed unless

identified as appropriate for adaptation.


C10.2: - Historic Pohutakawa Specimen Tree Avenues -

Historic Metrosideros excelsa specimens should be reinstated

with Metrosideros excelsa.

C10.3: - Historic Kermadec Pohutakawa Specimen Tree

Avenues - Historic Metrosideros kermadensis specimens

should be adapted to Metrosideros excelsa to reduce

detrimental ecological cross fertilisation.

C10.4: - Acmena Specimen Tree Avenues - Historic

Acmena specimens should be adapted to Alectryon excelsus

or Lagunaria patersonii to prevent ecological and maintenance

issues associated with adjacent high value ecological areas.

C10.5: - Replacement of Other Historic Specimen Trees -

Historic specimen trees of the following species shall be

reinstated with the same species:

Chamaecyparis sp.

Tristania sp.

Podocarpus totara

Cupressus sempervirens

Cupressus sp.

Phoenix canariensis (male plants only to be used)

Araucaria heterophylla

Taxodium disticum

Quercus robur

Chamaecyparis sp.

Agathis australis

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides

C10.6: - Infilling of Historic Avenues - Historic avenue

plantings should be reconstructed to allow for new planting of

the same species (or where identified, adapted species) to fill

in gaps in the avenues and to reinforce the original intent of

the avenue planting. New plantings will be distinguishable

through their age and the disparity in size. All new plantings

should be noted on a plan of the Cemetery as outlined in

"Restoration / Reconstruction of Historic Trees and Planting"

Policy.

C10.7: - Eucalypts in Gullies - Historic Eucalyptus species

in gullies should be reinstated with the same species and/or

adapted to new Eucalyptus species that will aid in the

retention of the arboretum style planting of the Eucalypts

undertaken in the gullies.

C10.8: - Eucalypts on Glenview Road - Historic Eucalyp-

tus species along Glenview Road should be reinstated with

the same species and/or adapted to another appropriate

Eucalyptus species.

C10.9: - Pine Boundary Plantings - Existing pine plantings

along boundaries should be reinstated with the same species.

C10.10: - Eleagnus Hedge - Gaps in the Eleagnus x

reflexa hedge along Glenview Road should be reconstructed

with the same species. The sporadic planting of Eleagnus x

reflexa along the railway line boundary north from the Sexton's

House should be removed due to extreme maintenance issues

and adapted to a self-trimming, non-invasive species.



New Landscape Features and Plantings

General Policy:

C11.1: New landscape features and plantings which

enhance and reinforce the character of the Cemetery whilst

providing for public use and enjoyment should be discreetly

incorporated in such a way as to cause no (or minimal) loss of

cultural significance or historic value.


C11.2: - Historic/Original Landscape - No new element

should be added which may detract from or obscure the

significance of any aspect of the historic/original landscape

character of the Cemetery.

C11.3: - Consistency with Objectives and Policies - No

new element or work should be permitted which is inconsistent

with the objectives and policies set out in this Conservation

Plan.

C11.4: - Design Guidelines - Design guidelines should be

developed for the historic and contemporary areas of the

Cemetery to ensure sensitive and appropriate incorporation of

new elements.

C11.5: - Identification on Plans - Any new plantings or

landscape elements should be clearly identified and noted on

a plan of the Cemetery.

Removal of Self-Seeded Plants

General Policy:

C12.1: - Remove all woody plants and weeds not

identified as historical landscape elements which have self-

seeded into historic grave sites. These plants are damaging

historic grave sites and affect the historic visual character of

the site. Self-seeded vegetation that cannot be removed

without damaging monuments or building fabric should be

poisoned and left in situ.


C12.2: - Species for Removal - Remove the following self-

seeded plants: agapanthus, blackberry, pohutukawa,

eleagnus, watsonia, cotoneaster, coprosma, red matipo,

phoenix palm.

C12.3: - Contractors - Removal should be undertaken by

experienced contractors to ensure no damage to existing

grave sites and monuments occurs during the work.

Removal of Invasive Weeds

General Policy:

C13.1: The Cemetery has a large number of exotic weed

species that have naturalised over the years. This high weed

infestation has developed to such an extent in some areas

that the character and pattern of the Cemetery has been lost.

Remove invasive weeds throughout the Cemetery. Retention

of the 'decayed' informal character of the historic grave areas

will be retained through wildflower naturalisation and retention

of mown paths following successful control of invasive weeds.


C13.2: - Species for Removal - Remove the invasive

weeds listed in Appendix 4 - Priority Weeds for Control in

Older Parts of the Cemetery - where they are not identified as

historic landscape elements.

C13.3: - Mowing and Wildflower Planting - Retain mown

paths between grave sites and allow wildflower planting (free

of invasives) to occur over the grave sites.

Retention and Restoration of Native Vegetation Pattern

General Policy:

C14.1: The vegetated gullies have high value both visually

and in some cases contain historic landscape elements. The

vegetated gullies should be conserved and restored and

enhanced when required with a similar mix of species.

Restoration / Reconstruction of Wildflower Areas

General Policy:

C15.1: Retain and restore, where appropriate, the range

of traditional wildflower plantings and naturalised meadow

plants associated with the historic grave areas, ensuring the

retention of the visual character of the grave sites without

detracting from the form of the grave sites and other land-

scape elements.


C15.2: - Wildflower Sanctuary - Retain the existing

Wildflower Sanctuary (refer Map 4, Appendix 15) at its current

size, with any proposed extensions to be evaluated based on



their merits as part of future reviews of this Conservation and

Reserve Management Plan.

C15.3: - Agreed Management Practices - Establish agreed

management practices that will ensure the retention of the

wildflower areas while adhering to the policies associated with

invasive weed control.

C15.4: - Maintenance Practices - Ensure maintenance

practices are consistent with the requirements of individual

wildflower species. Avoid mowing and slashing bulb fields in

the sanctuary during late March to early December.

C15.5: - Rare Wildflowers Outside the Sanctuary - Where

mowing and weed control in other parts of the Cemetery is

required to be undertaken, where possible isolate and protect

known populations of rare wildflowers.

C15.6: - Interpretation - Recognise the public interest

value of the wildflowers through the design and installation of

interpretation panels.

C15.7: - Conflict Between Wildflower Management and

Grave Restoration - Where there is a conflict between

management of the sanctuary for the benefit of wildflowers

and grave restoration, priority must be given to grave restora-

tion and repair.

Cemetery Pattern

General Policy:

C16.1: Graveyard and general landscape patterns should

continue to reflect the grid-like pattern established in the older

Cemetery areas. This pattern provides the significant charac-

ter of the site in contrast with the more natural vegetated

areas that run through the Cemetery.


C16.2: - Grid-like Pattern - Ensure the grid-like pattern of

graves is reinforced through planting and grave layout.

C16.3: - Interconnections - Roads and pathways should

be interconnected, reinforcing the grid and accessibility.

Enhancement of Contemporary Grave Sites

General Policy:

C17.1: Ensure enhancement of the existing open,

sparsely planted contemporary grave sites to provide connec-

tion with the older Cemetery areas and create a more

cohesive character to the whole site.


C17.2: - Avenue Plantings - Extensive specimen tree

plantings along the roads, creating avenue style plantings

where possible.

C17.3: - Overland Flow Paths - Planting of overland flow

pathways with native species to link with existing vegetated

gullies.

C17.4: - Boundary Plantings - Planting of specimen trees

along boundaries of the site, ensuring retention of identified

views.

C17.5: - Vertical Scale - Possible provision of monuments

at the end of the grave rows to provide a level of vertical scale

and human interest within an otherwise flat and not obviously

commemorative area.

C17.6: - Traditional Plant Species - Encourage planting of

symbolic and traditional cemetery plant species (non-invasive)

to enhance and continue the cemetery theme.

Retention and Enhancement of Views

General Policy:

C18.1: Manage plantings and any new works in order to

retain the vistas and views to Auckland and the Waitakere

Ranges, as identified within the Cemetery. Retain views

between the historic and contemporary areas of the Cemetery

also.


C18.2: - Maximising Views - Consider placement of seats

and paths to maximise use of vistas and views.

Buildings

General Policy:

C19.1: Manage the buildings to retain their significance

within the landscape. Allow building development that is

consistent with the character of the Cemetery.


C19.2: - Heritage Architect Assessment - Any external



remedial improvement works on existing buildings in the

historic part of the Cemetery should require heritage architect

assessment in relation to proposed work.

C19.3: - Mausolea - New mausolea are permitted within

the Cemetery as long as consistent with the locality and

character of current mausoleums.

C19.4: - Non-Historic Buildings - Retention of non-historic

buildings, such as toilets and works sheds, within the Cem-

etery is not required.

C19.5: - New Service Buildings - New service buildings,

such as toilets, must be designed to be in keeping with the

area they are located.

C19.6: - New Structures or Modifications - Any new

structures or modifications to existing structures within the

historic area should be designed to complement the existing

heritage character of the area.

C19.7: - New Buildings - No new buildings are to be

constructed or relocated within the historic area of the

Cemetery.

C19.8: - Conservation Plans - Conservation Plans should

be prepared for all historic buildings within the Cemetery.

Conservation of Natural Heritage Features

Bush Remnants

General Policy:

C20.1: To protect those areas of native vegetation (both

naturally occurring and planted) with high to moderate values

(including buffer areas), and minimise the clearance of

vegetated areas other than those identified as areas for future

burial sites or where weed control is necessary.

To actively encourage, through environmentally sustain-

able management practices, the establishment and mainte-

nance of wildlife corridors for native flora and fauna.


C20.2: - Regeneration of Bush - Actively encourage the

regeneration of areas of native bush by ensuring that manage-

ment practices are in keeping with the value of these areas.

C20.3: Grave Spoil - Discontinue the practice of dumping

grave spoil and other rubbish into gullies and ensure that this

material is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

C20.4: - Protection Buffers - Establish buffers (ideally a

minimum of 20m) around each of the areas identified as

having moderate or high native vegetation values (refer Map

3, Appendix 15).

C20.5: - New Burial Areas - When investigating areas for

development of grave sites, low ecological value areas will be

the focus of investigation. Moderate and high value areas will

only be considered if no other option for grave development is

available.

C20.6: - Controls on Environmental Effects - Ensure that

where vegetation clearance or earth disturbance is undertaken

for any upgrading work or new development, that appropriate

controls are put into place to ensure that the effects of these

works on the surrounding environment are minimised.

C20.7: - Eco-Sourced Plantings - Native revegetation or

planting programmes should include the planting of ground

cover and all species must be either eco-sourced or be

species that would naturally occur in the local area.

C20.8: - Ecosystem Health - Establish a programme of

regular ecosystem health surveys.

C20.9: - Staff and Contractors - Ensure that staff and

contractors are made aware of plant and animal species that

are to be retained within the Cemetery and are able to

recognise them visually.

C20.10: - Weed Control - Establish a weed control

programme which targets those species which are considered

most invasive and/or have the potential to spread or substan-

tially alter the composition of the remaining bush remnants

within the Cemetery.

C20.11: - Animal Pests - Continue to monitor the

populations of animal pests in the Cemetery and take

remedial action when and as required.

C20.12: - Management of Gumlands - In recognition of the

regional significance of the gumland areas, undertake a series

of trials in order to establish sustainable management of these

areas.



C20.13: - Research Plantings - Encourage research

projects on the flora of the Cemetery such as the lichens,

orchids and commemorative plantings.

Aquatic Environment

General Policy:

C21.1: To protect and rehabilitate the streams and

wetlands (including riparian areas) which run through the

Cemetery in a manner that ensures that they remain viable

habitats for native species.


C21.2: - Buffer Zones - Establish buffer zones (ideally a

minimum 20m) around all wetland areas of Gaden Stream and

its tributaries and continue streamside restoration pro-

grammes with a long-term strategy of enhancing and develop-

ing self-sustaining stream ecosystems.

C21.3: - Riparian Planting - Develop native plantings

around wetland areas (Refer Appendix 2 - Native Plants in

Waikumete).

C21.4: - Stormwater Management - Integrate stormwater

management practices with habitat improvement programmes.

C21.5: - Weed Control - Undertake control of invasive

weeds along stream banks and riparian margins, including

ginger, mistflower, wandering Jew and pampas.

C21.6: - Eco-Sourced Revegetation - Prevent reintroduc-

tion of weed species following weed control by revegetating

areas with eco-sourced native species.

C21.7: - Grave Spoil - Discontinue the practice of dumping

grave spoil and other rubbish into gullies and ensure that this

material is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Initiate a clean up programme to remove existing material.

C21.8: - Roads and Walking Tracks - Ensure that where

roads or walking tracks are adjacent to riparian areas, they are

maintained and upgraded in a manner that minimises any

adverse effect on water quality.

C21.9: - Fish Passage - Remove any barriers that may

impede fish passage and/or install fish passes to allow fish

passage.

Burial Areas

General Policy:

C22.1: To protect and enhance the indigenous vegetation

values, particularly of uncommon and threatened plants, within

the burial areas of the Cemetery.


C22.2: - Encouraging Native Species - Actively encourage

the presence of populations of native orchids, grasses and

other plants compatible with management of the Cemetery

areas for burials and maintenance of graves.

C2.13: - New Grave Sites - When investigating areas for

development for new grave sites, where possible avoid areas

known to harbour populations of uncommon or threatened

native plants.

C22.4: - Open Areas - Retain open areas known to

harbour populations of low growing uncommon and threat-

ened native plants and avoid planting large trees which might

shade out this habitat in these areas.

C22.5: - Vegetation Clearance and Earthworks - Ensure

that where vegetation clearance or earth disturbance is

undertaken for any upgrading work or new development,

appropriate controls are put in place to ensure that the effects

of these works on the uncommon and threatened native plants

are minimised.

C22.6: - Staff and Contractor Knowledge - Ensure that

staff and contractors are made aware of the presence of

populations of uncommon and threatened native plants within

the Cemetery and are able to recognise them visually.

C22.7: - Research Projects - Encourage research projects

on the best management practices for uncommon and

threatened native plants within the Cemetery.

Invasive Exotic Weeds

General Policy:

C23.1: Implement a weed control and monitoring pro-

gramme for the Cemetery which targets those species which

are considered most invasive and/or are causing damage to

grave structures and heritage features or other features of

significance within the Cemetery.




C23.2: - Mapping of Weeds - Undertake a mapping

exercise to identify the location of and level of infestation of all

weed species in the Cemetery.

C23.3: - Weed Control Strategy - Establish a long-term

weed control strategy as part of the Landscape and Enhance-

ment Plan which incorporates the following:

� Eradication of all legally declared plant pest species;

� Progressive control of all those species which are

damaging graves and heritage features. Priority should be

given to woody species (refer Appendix 3 - Weed Species

Present in Waikumete - for species list) that are particu-

larly damaging in those areas of the Cemetery, as

identified in Map 6, Appendix 15;

� Poisoning of invasive vegetation, leaving in situ that which

cannot be removed without damaging monuments or

building fabric;

� Continued eradication of bulbil watsonia, pampas and

woody seedlings from graves in the Wildflower Sanctuary

using the Bradley method, as long as labour is available;

� Eradication of weeds currently in small quantities first, with

low level infestations of moth plant, grey and crack willow,

blue morning glory, boneseed, climbing asparagus and

Australian leptospermum;

� Eradication of weeds from riparian margins and areas of

moderate to high vegetation value, concentrating on

invasive species;

� Progressive control of bulbil watsonia outside the

Wildflower Sanctuary by targeting low level infestations

and areas closest to the Wildflower Sanctuary first.

C23.4: - Non-Invasive Species - Develop a list of species

that can be planted as part of burials that are not known to be

invasive and are in keeping with the character of the

Cemetery.

C23.5: - Re-Vegetation - Establish a re-vegetation species

list to be used in areas where weeds have been eradicated or

controlled.

C23.6: - Minimising the Spread of Weeds - Take every

effort to ensure that the spread of existing weeds is minimised

and that other species are not introduced. This may include

regular cleaning of machinery and ensuring that road and

track surfacing, such as metal, is weed free.

C23.7: - Ongoing Control - Recognise that weed control is

an ongoing task and requires a sustained, targeted and long-

term commitment of resources each operational year.

Fauna

General Policy:

C24.1: To manage the Cemetery to provide for the needs

of existing desirable fauna and to manage and create habitats

which will attract further desirable species.

Implementation:

C24.2: - Wildlife Corridors - Continue to develop bush

areas and riparian margins as wildlife corridors, through

careful management and replanting programmes, with species

that provide suitable roosts, shelter and food sources for bird

species.

C24.3: - Mowing - Maintain a lower frequency of mowing

in older areas of the Cemetery to allow for grassland bird

species such as pheasants and quail.

C24.4: - Control of Pests - Where invasive species are

present, such as possums, rats and rabbits, undertake control

measures designed to get the numbers of these species down

to manageable levels.

C24.5: - Refuse - Ensure regular collection of rubbish and

careful storage and collection of refuse to minimise the

establishment of potential food sources for pests.

C24.6: - Dog Walking - Continue to allow the area to be

used for dog walking, but ensure that owners are aware of

their responsibilities in regard to keeping dogs under control

and removal of faeces.

C24.7: - Fauna Surveys - Encourage regular surveying of

fauna present in the Cemetery. This should include small

invertebrates and freshwater fish.



Objectives

MO1: To ensure that any conservation and/or develop-

ment activities within the Cemetery are to be co-ordinated and

carried out in accordance with best practice principles as

identified in the ICOMOS New Zealand Charter, Historic

Places Act 1993, and the Resource Management Act 1991.

MO2: To administer and manage the Cemetery in

accordance with the statutory obligations imposed by relevant

legislation.

MO3: To encourage and support the self-sustaining use

of the Cemetery by recognising its primary purpose as a burial

ground and limiting public use to those activities which are in

keeping with the primary purpose.

MO4: To recognise the dynamic nature of managing the

Cemetery by reviewing the Conservation and Reserve

Management Plan at least every 5 years to ensure that

resources are best utilised to meet the objectives of this Plan

and maximise public benefit.

MO5: To manage the implementation of conservation and

management policies through the development of a Main-

tenance and Landscape Plan, which will be reviewed on an

annual basis.

MO6: To recognise the significant cultural and natural

heritage values of the Cemetery, as well as its continuing use

as a burial ground, by providing a high standard of public

information and interpretation that enables users easy access

to the various parts of the Cemetery.

Management of the Cemetery Landscape

Retention and Enhancement of Landscape Character

General Policy:

M1.1: Waikumete Cemetery is a working cemetery and, as

such, there are new graves and associated plantings occur-

ring. Approaches to the design of these areas should reflect

existing patterns to ensure the amenity values of the site are

further enhanced.

The selection, layout and management of plants and

landscape features in the Cemetery is to conform with the

intentions of the original design of each area, but also needs

to recognise the changes that occur as a result of contempo-

rary use.

Where the design and layout of significant grave sites or

areas is no longer apparent, owing to the loss of mature trees

or landscape elements such as fences, research is to be

undertaken prior to the establishment of any new plantings or

features. This should include specific site study as well as a

review of all available documentary and physical evidence.


M1.2: - Original Layout - Undertake archival research to

determine the original layout of the Cemetery and trends that

have influenced its development.

M1.3: - Landscape Plan - Develop a landscape plan that

incorporates original layout features and integrates all of the

contemporary management needs.

M1.4: - Views - Manage plantings and the development of

additional features to retain the vistas and views over

Auckland and the Waitakeres, as well as views down into

various parts of the Cemetery. This should incorporate the

placement of seats and path lay-bys.

P A R T E I G H T :

M A N A G E M E N T P L A N


M1.5: - Sensitive Ridgelines - Ensure that management of

sensitive ridgelines is undertaken in a manner that is in

keeping with the policies of the proposed District Plan.

M1.6: - Disturbance of Sensitive Ridgelines - Minimise

level of disturbance to sensitive ridgelines as identified within

the District Plan.

M1.7: - Bush Areas - Retain a strong natural bush area

associated with watercourses and in native vegetated areas.

M1.8: - Planted Perimeter - Retain views in from periph-

eral roads with formalised, staggered tree planting and

progressively establish a complete planted barrier along the

Cemetery boundary to develop a more sensitive and tranquil

environment within the Cemetery.

M1.9: - Fences, Hedges, Gates and Walls - Repair and

conserve the fences, hedges, gates and walls around the

perimeter of the Cemetery wherever possible. Where this is

not possible, repair and/or extend with materials in sympathy

with the original design.

M1.10: - Maintenance, Upgrading and New Work - Ensure

that any maintenance, upgrading or new work is in sympathy

with the Landscape Plan and the overall layout of the

Cemetery.

Gardens

General Policy:

M2.1: To maintain the contemporary garden areas around

the Crematorium in a formal manner.


M2.2: - Maintenance of Gardens - Ensure that these areas

are maintained on a regular basis to maintain their present

form and to ensure that foot access around the gardens is not

impeded.

M2.3: - New Plantings in Gardens - Ensure that the

gardens are kept weed free and that new plantings are

sympathetic to the present form and are not species that may

become invasive.

Roading and Path Network

General Policy:

M3.1: To develop and maintain a road and track hierarchy

which provides safe access to all areas of the Cemetery.


M3.2: - Existing Roads and Tracks - Review present roads

and tracks and establish a planned programme of mainte-

nance, upgrading and retirement that is in keeping with the

heritage values of the Cemetery. This is to be incorporated

into the Landscape and Enhancement Plan.

M3.3: - Upgrading, Maintenance and Development of

Roads and Tracks - To ensure that road and track upgrading,

maintenance and development work uses environmentally

sustainable design principles, and in the older parts of the

Cemetery uses materials that are in keeping with the heritage

values of the area.

M3.4: - Traffic - Investigate opportunities to relieve traffic

congestion around the main entrance area and its associated

car parks.

M3.5: - Primary Access Roads - Maintain the primary

access roads of Acmena Avenue, Eucalyptus Avenue,

Waitakere View Road, Amber Crescent and Azalea Avenue to

current roading standards.

M3.6: - Entrance Points - Maintain entrance points into the

Cemetery so that they are easily visible from the main

peripheral roads and provide safe access and egress.

M3.7: - Internal Signage - Review the signage system and

establish an internal signage system that clearly identifies

access roads and tracks.

M3.8: - Traffic Speed - Restrict the speed of traffic within

the Cemetery to 20km per hour and ensure that speed limit

signs are installed and maintained at all access points and

major road junctions within the Cemetery.

M3.9: - Slowing Traffic - Discourage use of the Cemetery

as a through road from Great North Road to Glenview Road

and install speed humps in areas to slow traffic on long

stretches of road.

M3.10: - Effect of New Work and Maintenance - Ensure

that where development, maintenance or upgrading work is to

be undertaken, significant features are clearly identified on

plans and work does not adversely affect these features.

M3.11: - Drainage - Undertake a progressive programme

PA RT E I G H T : MA N AG E M E N T PL A N


to establish better drainage patterns off roads and tracks. This

is to include suitable permeable materials on tracks and the

upgrading of roads using environmentally sustainable

practices, including no kerb and channelling and the installa-

tion of grass swales.

M3.12: - Parking - Provide safe places for vehicles to park

off the road in the operational areas of the Cemetery, in

particular along Waitakere View Road.

M3.13: - Walking Tracks - Establish a hierarchy of

maintained walking tracks that complement the onsite

information and interpretation systems and provide access

throughout the Cemetery.

M3.14: - Use of Walking Tracks - Limit the use of walking

tracks to foot access only. This may include management

techniques such as narrow tracks, stiles and barriers to

discourage other users.

M3.15: - Vehicular Use of Tracks - Use of vehicles on

tracks for maintenance purposes is to be restricted only to

where it is absolutely necessary. Tracks are not to be used for

access to other areas and should not be used in winter where

vehicle use will result in rutting or surface damage.

M3.16: - Paths and Gutters - Retain the paths and

associated gutters within the older parts of the Cemetery and

avoid the introduction of modern materials. Upgrading and

maintenance of these samples should attempt to use similar

materials wherever possible and minimise disturbance to

these features.

Drainage and Water Reticulation

General Policy:

M4.1: To manage the Cemetery in such a manner as to

reduce the need for increased impermeable surfaces and

maximise opportunities for the development and maintenance

of stormwater control systems which reduce the volumes and

effects of stormwater and filter harmful elements prior to

reaching water courses.

Implementation:

M4.2: - Upgrading and Extending Road Drainage -

Discourage concrete kerbing and channelling. Ensure that

road upgrades, extensions and new roads incorporate

crossfall to downhill side, installation of grass swales to collect

water, and vegetation filter strips prior to discharge into

watercourses.

In areas where road drainage is a problem, subsoil

drainage is to be installed on the high side of the carriageway.

Metering points are to be used to check water quality prior to

discharge into streams.

Retrofitting of kerb and channelling is to be progressively

undertaken in areas where there is substantial overland flow

or flow down roads.

M4.3: - Riparian Setbacks - Maintain riparian setback

margins to a minimum of 10 metres from the watercourse and

progressively revegetate or maintain vegetation in these

margins so as to act as a filter for water quality and improve

aquatic habitats.

M4.4: - Overland Flow Paths - Identify all overland flow

paths in areas where new graves or related development may

be required and site graves well away from these areas. Install

subsoil drains at the base of the flow path.

M4.5: - Avoid Sedimentation of Watercourses - Minimise

the passage of sediment into watercourses. Grave spoil and

all material from earthworks not required for future use on site

is to be transported to registered landfills. Stockpiles are to be

located in areas where there is no risk of material finding its

way into watercourses.

Interpretation, Information and Signage

General Information

General Policy:

M5.1: Detailed proposals for conservation of the Cemetery

and its features should be made available for informed public

scrutiny and sufficient time allowed to receive public commen-

tary.


M5.2: - Interpretation Plan - To develop an interpretation

plan as part of the overall Landscape and Enhancement Plan.

This will establish an hierarchy of information from entrance

road signs to the provision of detailed genealogical material

and the conservation of archival records.



M5.3: - Records - Encourage and facilitate genealogical

and other research related to the Cemetery through the

provision of accessible and user-friendly Cemetery records.

This will include the progressive transferral of all Cemetery

records onto a computer database to be maintained at the

Cemetery office.

M5.4: - Development and Conservation Proposals -

Copies of development and conservation proposals should be

lodged with special interest groups with specific interest in the

effects of the planning process on the site. This includes

ICOMOS New Zealand, NZ Historic Places Trust, Friends of

Waikumete, industry representatives, and other special

interest groups.

M5.5: - Notification of Proposals - Copies of the approved

version of this Conservation and Reserve Management Plan

should be lodged with the above groups and in public libraries

in advance of the notification of development and conservation

proposals.

M5.6: - Research - Continue to support ongoing research

into the history and significant features of the Cemetery.

Where this research uncovers new material in locations other

than the Cemetery, ensure that duplicate copies are made and

added to the records held at the Cemetery and the Waitakere

City Council archives.

Onsite Interpretation and Signage

General Policy:

M6.1: To establish and maintain a hierarchy of information

and interpretation signs and publications that reflect the

cultural natural heritage significance of the Cemetery and

provide directional information for users.


M6.2: - Self-Guided Walks - Identify a range of roads and

walking tracks that incorporate all features of the Cemetery

and progressively develop a series of self-guided walks with

onsite interpretation and pamphlets to guide users.

M6.3: - Onsite Interpretation Material - Onsite interpreta-

tion material is to be designed and constructed in such a

manner that it does not detract from its surroundings.

M6.4: - Design of Material - Information material is to be

well designed and incorporate high quality graphical material

and factually accurate photographs, drawings and text.

M6.5: - Traditional Values - Traditional values intrinsic to

the Cemetery should be acknowledged and explained as part

of all material prepared for public information, education and

presentation.

M6.6: - Visitor Information Centre - In conjunction with all

groups or organisations involved with the Cemetery, and the

community at large, investigate the establishment of a visitor

information centre within the Cemetery. The purpose of the

centre would be to provide information to visitors and re-

searchers.

Use and Public Involvement

Types of Use

General Policy:

M7.1: To ensure that uses of Waikumete should be

consistent with its continued use as a burial ground and

should neither be destructive of conservation values nor place

significant features of any area of the Cemetery at risk.


M7.2: - Consistency with Burial and Cremations Act -

Permitted activities within the Cemetery should be consistent

with the objectives as set out in the Burial and Cremations Act.

M7.3: - Providing for Passive Recreation - Identify and

provide for those passive recreational activities which are in

keeping with the management of the area as a cemetery and

public open space.

M7.4: - Prevent Damaging Activities - Specifically prohibit,

through active management, those activities that have the

potential to damage the Cemetery such as mountain bikes,

motorbikes and horse riding.

M7.5: - Use of Sites, Areas and Buildings - The use of

individual sites, areas and buildings should be related to the

purposes of the Cemetery, such as its management, or public

interpretation.



M7.6: - Organised Activities - Organised activities which

promote the congregation of large numbers of people in

sustained intense activity, including guided walks, should be

managed in terms of the significance of each area, site and

activity.

M7.7: - Conservation and Use of Constructed Features -

No conservation or use should be contemplated for any

constructed feature until a detailed review and planning

process has been undertaken for that feature, including

landscape structures, grave monuments and buildings.

Relationship with Community Interest Groups

General Policy:

M8.1: To continue to foster positive working relationships

with the various groups and organisations that have an

interest in the Cemetery.


M8.2: - Interest Group Involvement - To continue to

provide an "open door" policy for interest groups to become

involved in the maintenance of areas of the Cemetery as long

as this is a programme agreed with the Cemetery Manager.

M8.3: - Support for Interest Group Projects - To support all

associations of these groups with the Cemetery and support

any research, project or development initiatives that will

enhance the cultural and heritage values of the Cemetery, as

long as these fit within the management priorities for the

Cemetery.

M8.4: - Formal Recognition of the Friends of Waikumete -

To formally recognise the significant contribution that the

Friends of Waikumete make to the promotion of the Cemetery,

and in particular to the research of archival material and the

care of the Wildflower Sanctuary.

M8.5: - Consultation Processes Regarding Future Work in

the Cemetery - The Waikumete Cemetery Advisory Group

(comprising representatives of the Auckland Botanical Society,

Auckland Funeral Directors Association, Auckland Monumen-

tal Masons Association, Auckland Regional Council, Friends of

Waikumete, Glen Eden Returned Services Association, New

Lynn Community Board, New Zealand Historic Places Trust,

New Zealand Society Of Genealogists - West Auckland

Branch, Pacific Islands Advisory Board, Royal Forest and Bird

Protection Society, Te Taumata Runanga, Waikumete

Cemetery Management, Waitakere City Council Parks,

Waitakere City Councillors and West Auckland Historical

Society) will be consulted over the draft Landscape and

Enhancement Plan prior to its adoption by the Council.

Consultation over any work requiring Resource Consents will

also be undertaken with affected groups according to

protocols established within the Landscape and Enhancement

Plan.

Industry and Commercial Relationships

General Policy:

M9.1: To maintain and continue to foster positive working

relationships with the funeral industry.


M9.2: - Liaison with the Funeral Industry - Continue to

maintain regular liaison with funeral companies, monumental

masons and other commercial associations with the Cemetery.

M9.3: - Catering for Funeral Industry - Continue to cater

for the special requirements of these groups as long as it is in

keeping with the cultural and heritage values of the Cemetery.

Operational Management

New Works

General Policy:

M10.1: The discrete incorporation of necessary new works

or elements that enable each area to continue to be used as a

cultural and/or historic site for public use and enjoyment with

minimal loss of its significance.


M10.2: - New Features Not to Detract From Significance -

No new cemetery feature or activity should be added which

may detract from or obscure the significance of any individual

site or area within the older sections of the Cemetery.

M10.3: - New Work to be Consistent With Objectives and

Policies - No new work or activity should be permitted which is

inconsistent with the objectives and policies set out in this

Conservation and Reserve Management Plan.



M10.4: - New Work Consistent to Original Era - All new

work is to be of a consistent character to the original era of its

immediate and general context, whilst clearly being identified

as new work.

M10.5: - Legal and Statutory Guidelines to be Met - All

new work is to conform to legal and statutory guidelines and is

to be in keeping with the Eco-City principles of Waitakere City

Council.

Vandalism

General Policy:

M11.1: To take all practical steps to reduce vandalism.

This may include regular maintenance, patrols of known areas

subject to vandalism and by increasing the level of public

interest in these areas.


M11.2: - Work with Police - Develop and maintain co-

operative working relationships with local Police to ensure that

there are regular patrols within and around the Cemetery.

M11.3: - Vandalism Register - Maintain a vandalism

register at the Cemetery office and report relevant incidents to

Police and/or other relevant organisations.

M11.4: - Repair Graffiti and Vandalism - Ensure, wherever

possible, that graffiti and minor vandalism is repaired within 48

hours of occurrence.

M11.5: - Fire Breaks - Maintain fire breaks in areas prone

to arson and undertake replanting programmes in burned

areas with species local to the area that are less flammable.

Within burial areas, main paths should be mown and rubbish

removed on a regular basis.

Rubbish Collection and Disposal

General Policy:

M12.1: All rubbish deposited and generated at the

Cemetery is to be collected and disposed of on a regular basis

and to a licensed disposal facility.


M12.2: - Rubbish Bins - Rubbish containers should

continue to be provided in areas used by the public. The

containers themselves should be of a standardised design and

of a suitably unobtrusive colour and design.

M12.3: - Stop Rubbish Dumping - The practice of dumping

and/or burying rubbish and grave spoil in the Cemetery and

particularly at the edges and heads of gullies is to be discon-

tinued. Existing dumps in these locations are to be removed

within the next year.

M12.4: - Remove Dumped Rubbish - Rubbish dumped

illegally by visitors to the Cemetery, including cars, tyres, and

household rubbish, is to be removed as soon as possible.

Every effort should be made to trace the owner of the rubbish

and steps taken to ensure they do not continue this practice.

Burials and Cremations

General Policy:

M13.1: Waikumete is to continue to provide for burials and

cremations until such time as no more land is available for

expansion. The operation of the Cemetery is working to a

planning horizon of at least another 30 years of burials.


M13.2: - Provide for Current Burial and Cremation

Services - Continue to provide for cremations and the range of

different types of burials that are currently provided, as long as

they do not adversely affect the cultural and heritage values of

the Cemetery.

M13.3: - Development of New Burial Areas - Develop

additional areas for burials with due regard to the natural

values of the Cemetery. This includes detailed preplanning

prior to development and the layout of areas in such a manner

that they do not interfere with overland flow paths.

M13.4: - Construction of Public Mausolea - Investigate

opportunities for the construction of an additional public

mausoleum.

M13.5: - Ash Lawns - Continue to expand the ash lawn

area around the Crematorium as the need arises.

M13.6: - Burials and Ash Deposition in Older Areas -

Burials and ash deposition in the older parts of the Cemetery



must be undertaken with minimal disturbance to existing

structures. Erection of new headstones must be sympathetic

to the area of the Cemetery in which they are located.

Lawn Cemetery

General Policy:

M14.1: All existing and new areas of lawn cemetery used

for burials and cremations are to be maintained to accessible

and safe standards and are to comply with relevant statutory

provisions.


M14.2: - New lawn and Berm Sections - Further establish-

ment of lawn and berm sections must be subject to a detailed

planning process, which includes impact assessment and

demonstrates that there is a need for additional areas.

M14.3: - Design of Lawn and Berm Areas - New areas are

to be of a harmonious design and the landscape character of

the design is to be such that it is easy and cost effective to

maintain.

M14.4: - Headstone Design - Designs of headstones are

to be compatible with the area in which they are to be

installed.

M14.5: - Plantings in New Areas - Plantings associated

with new areas, whether they are related to an individual

grave or as a result of landscaping, must be of a non-invasive

nature and not detract from the landscape character of the

area.

M14.6: - Grave Decoration - Where grave decoration is

undertaken this should be in accordance with the guidelines

developed by Cemetery management and the community.

Statutory and Regulatory Management

General Policy:

M15.1: To manage the Cemetery with due regard to the

various statutory and regulatory mechanisms that are

applicable to the natural, heritage and cultural values of the

areas as well as its continued operation as a burial ground.


M15.2: - Work Within Regulatory Constraints - All work

undertaken at the Cemetery is to be undertaken in such a

manner that it does not compromise the statutory and

regulatory constraints under which the Cemetery operates.

M15.3: - Amend Designation - The Designation which

covers the Cemetery is to be amended so that it is in accord-

ance with this Conservation and Reserve Management Plan.

M15.4: - District Plan Variation - A Variation/Plan Change

to the District Plan is to be undertaken to alter the District Plan

Heritage identification so that it specifically identifies the

features and part of the Cemetery with significant cultural

heritage values.

M15.5: - Review of Work Practices - Regular reviews are

to be undertaken to ensure that work practices, development

and maintenance programmes meet the requirements of

relevant statutory and regulatory documents.

M15.6: - Review of Conservation and Reserve Manage-

ment Plan - This Plan to be reviewed at least once every five

years and should be maintained in such a manner that it can

adapt to changing circumstances or as knowledge about the

Cemetery increases.



P A R T N I N E :

A P P E N D I C E S

Date Summary of Events

1874 Act to provide For Closing Certain Burial Grounds 1874: Limits burials within Symonds Street Cemetery tofamily members of those already interred. Follows ongoing concerns raised about the need for a new publiccemetery1.

1876 30 October: Gazette notice reserves Allotment 248, Parish of Waikomiti (approx. 100 acres) as a site for a publiccemetery2.November: A number of "gentlemen" are invited to inspect Mr. Robert Graham's farm in Ellerslie as a proposedNecropolis to replace Symonds Street Cemeteries3.

1877 New Zealand Railways calls on tenders for the construction of a railway line from "Newmarket to Waikomiti".4

1878 8 August: Auckland City Council subcommittee inspects proposed cemetery site at the Whau and "reportedfavourably on its situation and suitability."5

September: Meeting of various Auckland religious body representatives who resolve to request Auckland CityCouncil to accept the Whau site as a general cemetery for Auckland and to urge the Government to complete therailway line to Waikomiti6.17 December: New Zealand Railways calls for tenders for the building of Waikomiti station building7.

1880 16 February: Construction of Waikomiti Station is completed8.Monday, 29 March: Railway line from Newmarket to Waikomiti officially opened9.

1881 14 April & 27 September: Gazette notices temporarily then permanently reserving Section 248A, Parish ofWaikomiti (approx. 188 acres) for a public cemetery10.

1883 August/September: Auckland City Council applies to Government to have proposed Waikomiti Cemetery sitevested to the Council11. Auckland City Council appointed trustees of approximately 188 acres at Waikomiti onrailway line12.

Chronological Summary of Significant Events

1 Draft Symonds Street Conservation Plan, ACC, Auckland, 1995, p.16.2 NZ Gazette, 30 October 1876, p.735.3 DSC, 18 November 1876, p.3 (5).4 Dave Pearson Architects Ltd, Glen Eden Railway Station: A Conservation Plan, Auckland, October 1998, p.5.5 NZ Herald, 9 August 1878, p.2 (5).6 NZ Herald, 7 September 1878, p.4 (8).7 Auckland Evening Star, 19 December 1878, p.3.8 NZ Appendix to the House of Representatives 1880, II, Vol. 1, E1 I & p.73.9 Auckland Evening Star, 27 March 1880, p.1.10 NZ Gazette, 14 April & 27 September 1881, p.115; 405.11 ACC Minutes, 29 August 1883.12 ACC Annual Report - Town Clerk's Report, 1883, p.4.



1884 Auckland City Council arranges for Waitemata County Council to layout suitable roads to improve access to theCemetery.December: New cemetery fenced (to keep stock out) at a cost of £30013.

1885 July - August: Local nurseryman, William Levy, contracted to plant 406 pines, macrocarpa, willows, bamboos, redgums and pampas grass in the gullies. An outside belt to be planted with Pinus insignia, Cupressus macrocarpa,Cupressus lawsoniana and other Curpressus species. Trees to be 15 feet apart. The corner of the block to beplanted with ornamentals selected from the list supplied by Councillors.14

December: New cemetery has been cleared and fenced and a belt of shelter trees has been planted. Design formortuary and residences for the grave-diggers are in the course of development15. Road frontages have beenplanted with shelter trees 25 feet in width, main road 25 feet wide, and walks through the blocks 6 feet wide withborders 8 feet wide for shrubs have been marked out16.

1886 22 February: The New Zealand Herald publishes cemetery bylaws17.3 March: Waikomiti Cemetery is opened and the Symonds St Cemeteries are closed18.19 March: First burial - Florence Lena Bell (14 months)19.May: Mortuary Chapel (architect; H.G. Wade), Sexton's and Assistant Sexton's Cottages are completed by thisdate20.Auckland Jewish community builds Jewish Prayerhouse.

1889 Purewa Cemetery established by the Bishop of Auckland for Church of England (Anglican) burials. Covers anarea of just over 50 acres21.

1898 1 May: General Post Office officially changes spelling of Waikomiti to Waikumete22.

1904 22 July: Improvements needed for the Cemetery, reported as being a 'disgrace to the City'. It was urged to makethe Cemetery more attractive than at present23.

1906 3 December: Gazette notice vests cemetery reserve Section 248A in the Auckland City Council24.

1908 Auckland (Symonds Street) Cemeteries Act, 1908: Closing of Symonds Street Cemetery. Burials in Cemeterylimited to immediate family members of those already buried aged 50 or older on 31 December 190925.

1909 11 March: Auckland Cremation Society offers to pay Auckland City Council half the cost of establishing a publiccrematorium. Auckland City Council defers consideration of the proposal26.Continuing improvement work being done including development of roads, planting and landscaping, andbuilding maintenance, but Cemetery still considered to be bleak.

13 CC Annual Report - Town Clerk's Report, December 1884.14 Source: Colin Bradshaw.15 ACC Annual Report - Town Clerk's Report.16 ACC Annual Report - City Engineer's Report.17 NZ Herald, 22 February 1886.18 Auckland Weekly News, 27 February 1886.19 WCC Archive, Accn 2401a/95, No.1.20 ACC, 28 October 1886.21 Elliot, 1994, p.Ai-1.22 ACC Minute Book, 6 May 1897. Refers to a letter received from G.P.O.23 NZ Herald, 22 July 1904.24 NZ Gazette, 3 December 1906, p.113.25 Statutes of the Dominion of New Zealand, Wellington, 1908, p.315-319.26 ACC Minute Book (15), 11 March 1909.

APPENDIX ONE: CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS



1909-1910 Improvements carried out, including road across the gully reformed, other roads repaired and large areas offootpaths reformed, tarred and sanded. Hedges were trimmed, flowering bulbs planted in the main gully, shrubsplanted in nursery rows and the open drain through the main gully cleared out27.

1915 Scheme for improvement and enlargement of Waikumete Cemetery announced by the City Council's FinanceCommittee incorporating addition of further land, additional buildings, the development of tarred and sandedpaths, areas not used for graves to be transformed into park spaces. Levelling, planting and sowing of the areanear Station Road and the addition of a toilet28.27 September: Gazette notice vests Cemetery Reserve Allotment 248 in the Auckland City Council29.

1917 A cottage is relocated from Beach Road to a site adjacent to the Waikumete Road entrance for the foreman ofworks30.Three titles were issued specifying that the Auckland City Council held the Cemetery land "in trust for thepurposes of a public cemetery"31.Establishment of the Returned Soldiers Area.

1918 Influenza Epidemic: Waikumete Cemetery assumes national significance as Auckland's main burial ground duringthe epidemic. The railway line to Waikumete station plays an important role in transporting the dead, particularlywhen the number of deaths reaches its peak in the third and fourth weeks of November 1918. Final figures showAuckland with the highest number of deaths - 1,680.32

November: Auckland Cremation Society urge the erection of a crematorium in the City, stating that an if an offerbe made to the health department to erect a public one, with a pound for pound subsidy, it may be granted byParliament. Auckland City Council resolves to place a £4,000 loan proposal before its ratepayers33.Assistant Sexton's House burns down34.Area dedicated to returned soldiers is laid out, including an imposing entrance which was intended to become themain entrance to the Cemetery. Trees cut and stumps removed. In contrast to the original grid pattern, astructure of winding paths established a less formal layout35.

1919 11 June: Poll taken on proposal to raise loan of £4,000 for the erection of a crematorium. 1,718 vote for theproposal, 1,071 against. The proposal is carried with a majority of 64736.

1920 1,000 pinus trees arrived. Noted the need for 100 mixed natives sourced from Nihotupu37.

1921 30 May: Fencing of the Cemetery is completed. 250 Eucalyptus amygdalina (actually pulchella) planted making acomplete avenue of gums all round the Cemetery. Two new roads to connect the Anglican and Wesleyan portionsof the Cemetery are ready for the scoria38.22 October: Town District of Glen Eden is constituted, separating from Waitemata County Council. The changesresult from a petition from the Glen Eden community (population >500)39.

27 ACC Annual Report, Town Clerk's Report, 1909/10, p.14.28 NZ Herald, 6 March 1915, 07(4).29 NZ Gazette, 1915, No.113, p.3368.30 ACC Archive, memo from W.E. Bush, City Engineer to Town Clerk, 4 April 1917.31 Land Information NZ Title Refs: Vol. 264, Folio 220; V265, F118; and V271, F213.32 Dave Pearson Architects Ltd, Glen Eden Railway Station: A Conservation Plan, Auckland, October 1998, p.11-12.33 ACC Minute Book (20), 28 November 1918. Reported in NZ Herald, 29 November 1918.34 ACC Minutes, 25 July 1918.35 NZ Herald, 28 June 1918.36 NZ Herald, 12 June 1919.37 Memo from W Kirkpatrick to the Town Clerk, ACC, 12 June 1920.38 Memo from W Kirkpatrick to the Town Clerk, ACC, 30 May 1921.39 NZ Gazette (92) 27 October 1921 & NZ Gazette (20) 16 March 1922. First meeting 23 Dec 1921 at the Post Office.



40 NZ Herald, 27 January 1922, p.2 (7).41 NZ Herald, 9 August 1922, p.10.42 NZ Herald, 10 August 1922.43 Memo from Town Clerk's office, ACC 3 November 1922 to the City Engineer re: Council Meeting 2 November 1922.44 ACC Archive 275 29/232 Letter to the Mayor from HA Gouldie, 3 August 1923.45 NZ Herald, 27 July 1923, p.11 (8).46 WCC Archive Accn. 2401c/95, no.1.47 NZ Herald, 7 March 1925, p.10 (5)48 NZ Herald, 27 March 1929, p.14 (6).49 NZ Herald, 14 May 1934, p.8 (5).50 From Town Clerk's office to City Engineer, ACC, 28 May 1930.51 Memo from City Engineer's Department, ACC Job No. 1960.52 Sourced from Colin Bradshaw.53 Verbal reference from Mary Gilligan.


1922 January: Auckland City Council authorises the erection of a Crematorium at Waikumete Cemetery40.August: 140 Glen Eden residents sign a petition against the erection of a crematorium on the site selected. Thepetition states that the site is too close to the doors of some homes; that cremations would have certain nervouseffects on women home alone; and that parents object to cremations while school children are travelling homefrom school41. The Minister of Public Health sends a telegram to Auckland City Council requesting that work onthe Crematorium be halted. Auckland City Council resolves to send a deputation to Wellington to present its casefor the Crematorium's erection42.November: 30 acres by Great North Road to be reserved for Cemetery extension and in the meantime leased forgrazing purposes43.

1923 The Sexton, Mr Kirkpatrick, supervised the planting of some 75,000 pinus radiata seedlings44.6 August: Crematorium Bylaw comes into force. Secretary of Auckland Cremation Society states that this is theculmination of a campaign inaugurated in 1905. Crematorium completed. Charge for cremation fixed at£4 4s 5d45.17 August: First Cremation takes place46.

1925 7 March: The Auckland City Mayor is reported as being pleased with the tree planting undertaken at theCemetery. 90% of trees planted over 130 acres of Cemetery land over last 6-7 years are reported as wellestablished47.

1929 26 March: Fire sweeps through nearly half of the 200 acres of pine plantation at Waikumete, including 80,000Pinus insignis, scorching or destroying approximately 40,000 young trees48.November: An Auckland City Council subsidy enables the Returned Soldiers Association to improve the wargraves section of the Cemetery49.

1930 Resolved to proceed with building shelter shed in Soldiers area50.

1931 Extend metal width of drive through Cemetery to 15 feet and bitumise surface for full length from Soldiers sectionto public road. Commenced 5 February 1932 and completed 29 March 193251.

1932 158 trees distributed to the Cemetery from the tree nursery in the Auckland Domain52.

1933-1936 Samual Craig planted 500 natives in the gullies of the original graveyard in memory of his wife53.



54 NZ Herald, 18 June 1934, p.13 (5).55 NZ Herald, 17 July 1934, p.13 (3).56 ACC Minute Book (35), 1 August 1934.57 WCC Archive, Accn. 2401/90, no.1 A.58 NZ Herald, 20, 23, & 31 July 1937.59 Friends of Waikumete Inc., Waikumete Cemetery: A Brief History.60 ACC Minute Book (43), p.236, 8 March 1943.61 Bush, G., Decently and In Order, The Centennial History of the Auckland City Council, Collins, Auckland, 1971, p.351.62 Western Leader, 27 September 1966.63 ACC Minute Book (59), 6 November 1952.64 NZ Herald, 12 April 1954, p.8 (2).65 NZ Herald, 27 July 1954.66 ACC Minute Book (62), 2 September 1954.67 NZ Herald, 22 June 1956 (15).68 Waitakere Gazette, 29 August 1961; ASB 17.


1934 June: Reported that the area was in disrepair again and a "tract of desolate swampy ground" 54.July: A Council report states that the Crematorium is in urgent need of replacement55.August: The Superintendent of Parks comments that Waikumete was originally surveyed to provide cheap burialplots, not a park-like appearance. Notes new improvements include the forming of avenues and walks whichprovide for grass margins56.

1935 25 October: An oil burner is used for first time in the Crematorium57.

1937 Continued reports in papers of the neglected state of the Cemetery58.

1942 The Corban family erects the first mausoleum in the Cemetery59.

1943 8 March: Comprehensive scheme for future development outlined. Initial consideration of lawn burial system -4,509 cubic yards of earth and lawn cemetery proposed60.

1948 Cremations outnumber burials for the first time61.

1951 Stage one of the New Crematorium building completed. This includes the chapel, the furnace room, the cremato-rium offices and half of the columbarium62.October: Lawn burials begin.

1952 Approval is given to proceed with the completion of a second chapel at the Cemetery. Fletcher Construction'stender for its construction is accepted63.

1953 New Crematorium officially opened.

1954 Reports of "overgrown wilderness" in parts of Waikumete Cemetery causes Auckland City Council to consider theremoval of headstones in these areas and improved management of newer areas to prevent decline64.June: Berm burials begin.July: Noted that a second chapel will be opened in the Cemetery and a start would then be made on landscapingthe grounds around the whole of the Crematorium65.September: Soldiers portion has had some general improvements carried out66.

1956 21 June: Following a recommendation from its Director of Parks, Mr J.A. McPherson, Auckland City Councilresolves that in future no monumental areas will be laid in the Cemetery, deciding instead to plan the futurelayout of the Cemetery in free lawn and berm areas67. (The first lawn and berm burials occurred in October 1951and June 1954 respectively.)

1961 20 August: A Gallipoli "Lone Pine" seedling planted and bronze plaque erected by the Western Suburbs RSA "inremembrance of the fallen"68.



69 Auckland Star, 28 November 1962.70 Auckland Star Book (ASB), August 1963.71 ASB, December 1963, p.149.72 Letter from Director of Parks to Auckland Chevra Kadisha & Benevolent Society.73 ASB, March & May 1969, p.57.74 ASB, November 1969, p.279.75 NZ Herald, 3 January 1970.76 ASB, December 1973, pgs.87, 126-7, 198.77 Advance in Order: The Auckland City Council from Centenary to Reorganisation 1971-1989, Auckland, 1991, p.95.78 ASB, November 1981, p.197.


1962 Cemetery memorial erected to commemorate 57 servicemen of the Auckland province who lost their lives in andaround NZ during World Wars I and II and have no known graves69.

1963 August: Excavations begin on Waikumete Hill for the erection of a five million gallon water reservoir70.October: Obelisk erected in commemoration of WWI71.

1964 Contractors remove millable pine from the area, estimated time of 2 years to do so72.

1969 March: Auckland City Council offers to transfer a cemetery reserve at the top of Waikumete Hill to WaitemataCounty Council free of charge73.20 acres of scrub and forest at the Cemetery destroyed by fire74.Old Crematorium is demolished. The remaining urns of ashes are moved to the Mortuary Chapel.

1970 January: Fire destroys approximately 20 acres of scrub and forest in the Cemetery75.

1973 December: A request for 2.5 acres of Cemetery land to be set aside as a Urupa is declined by Auckland CityParks Committee. Mr G. Dean, Director of Parks and Reserves, comments on complaints that some graves areneglected. Older parts becoming a wilderness of weeds76.

1975 Equipment is acquired that mechanically excavates each new grave in its entirety.North Shore Cemetery opens77.

1976 The original chapel, which lay disused for 25 years, is selected as a restoration project.

1977 Approximately 1,800 ash caskets are removed from within the Waikumete Mortuary Chapel and buried inconcrete urns next to the Waikumete Mortuary Chapel.

1978 The Waikumete Chapel Restoration Trust is formed.

1979 Gazette notice classifies Waikumete Cemetery a 'local purpose' (cemetery) reserve under the Reserves Act1977.8 November: Gazette notice redesignates Cemetery reserve land on the corner of Waikumete Rd and GlenviewRd for the purposes of the Fire Service. The existing cottage is relocated from this site to a new site beside theMortuary Chapel.

1980 The Waikumete Chapel Restoration Trust leases the Mortuary Chapel for 33 years.

1981 Glen Eden's Mayor, Mr Brian Berg, plants a tree to mark the completion of renovations to the old chapel78.

1984 March: The title of Sexton at the Cemetery is changed to Cemetery Manager to reflect the increased sophistica-tion of the position.

1986 25 May: The newly restored Mortuary Chapel celebrates its centenary with an official reopening and blessing. Itis renamed "The Chapel of Faith in the Oaks."




1989 1 April: Waikumete Cemetery is transferred from Auckland City Council to Waitemata City Council by acquisitionby agreement under the Public Works Act 1981.November: Waitemata City Council, Glen Eden, New Lynn and Henderson Borough Councils amalgamate to formWaitakere City Council.

1991 Barnett Shafer and Corfe landscape architects produce a design analysis and concept plans for the Cemetery.These proposals do not appear to have been implemented in any comprehensive way79.

1992 Jewish Prayer House (est. 1886) is moved to the Oratia Community Cemetery after being located at the HoaniWaititi Marae for a short period. Restoration of the Prayer House is completed over a two-year period.

1993 An agreement between the Cemetery Manager and community representatives establishes a wildflower sanctu-ary in the older section of the Cemetery.

1994 60 lot housing development proposed on part of reserve land80.20 July: Garden of Remembrance opened81.

1995 Council restructuring establishes Waikumete Cemetery as a "Council Owned Business Unit". The Friends ofWaikumete Society is formed to enhance the image of the Cemetery, to encourage community usage as amemorial park, and to preserve its history and heritage.

1996 August: Urupa burial section is established at the Cemetery.

1997-1998 Series of fires in gumland by the railway line, caused by arson.

1999-2002 Preparation of Waikumete Cemetery Conservation and Reserve Management Plan.Commencement of programme to upgrade the older part of the Cemetery including weed control, road upgradingand arboricultural work.Preparation of Design Guidelines, Landscape Development Plan and Rehabilitation Programme for the Cem-etery.

79 Waikumete Cemetery, Report for WCC Council, March 1991, by Barnett Shafer Corfe, Landscape Architects.80 Western Leader, 19 April 1994, p.1.81 NZ Herald, 20 July 1994, Section 1, p.5.



APPENDIX TWO: COMMON SYMBOLS FOUND ON MEMORIALS WITHIN WAIKUMETE

Broken Chains

� Usually located around the top of a headstone

� Symbolises the links of love with a family broken in death

Scrolls

� Often appear held by a hand and unrolled vertically so

they can represent the record of life being kept by angels

� Can also suggest honour and commemoration

Hourglasses

� Represent time passing by

� Can be emphasised by giving the hourglass wings

� Time can also be represented by a scythe, clock or a

sundial

Death

� Represented with a scythe, archer, or skeleton/skull with

crossbones

Eggs and Dart

� Quite common design for edges of stones or as a frieze

� Symbolises resurrection following death

� The egg symbolises life and birth and the arrow or dart

symbolises death

Urns

� Popular in late Victorian period in vase form

� Earlier examples appear as a gravy-boat style

� They date back to Roman cremation urns as symbols of

rememberance

� Are often draped with shroud cloths

� Can be situated on an altar plinth on elaborate lace

fringed altar cloths (sometimes plain) symbolising the

shroud of Christ

Books

� Symbolise the book of life

� May have a crown and quill pen or be held in the right

hand of God or an angel

� Also represent education, knowledge, prayer, or perhaps

the person's occupation if a writer or bookseller

Urn type grave marker

Book symbol

Broken Columns

� Not always a result of vandalism or deterioration

� Symbols of an unfinished life

� Can be decorated with laurel wreaths or trees with cut off

branches, tree stumps, tree trunk embedded with an axe

� Another form of the same idea is a tree with branches cut

off, or a tree stump, or a tree trunk with an axe embedded

Crowns

� Symbols of honour and glory, crown of Christ's righteous-

ness

� Derives from the apostle Paul's comment about winning

the crown of life

Common Symbols Found on Memorials Within Waikumete



Hands

� Always the right hand as the left is traditionally that of the

Devil

� Comes from the idea that man cannot see the face of God

and live, so one sees the divine right hand that tradition-

ally gave Moses the commandments

� Can be outstretched, pointing to a cross, holding a scroll,

book or flowers

� a heart in the palm can mean charity - and was also the

symbol of the Manchester Unity Order

� can appear alone atop a pillar with the index finger

pointing to heaven

� Styles of clothing on angels reflect time periods - Geor-

gian angels have altar boy surplices or tights, Victorian

angels are robed heavily to the feet in what usually looks

like a nightgown

Hearts

� Symbols of charity or Sacred Heart of Christ or with

flames as the Divine Heart

� Can be pierced, held in hands or appear with a cross

� Two together can symbolise marriage

Torches

� The torch of triumphant life

� Passed from hand to hand in relay races which is

sometimes depicted upside down as life being snuffed out

after death

Clasped Hands

� always a pair - one being male and the other female

� can be connected with a ribbon

� may signify love, friendship, farewell or a welcome to a

new state of existence

Angels

� often used on children's memorials

� usually have right hands and right finger raised to heaven

� other hand holds a scroll or anchor of faith, the trumpet of

resurrection, or palm fronds of peace

� Stonemasons often used female family members as face

models

Grave marker showing relief detail of righthand holding flowers

Angel grave marker


Shells

� Symbols of life and resurrection - Aphrodite rising from the

sea within an open shell

Animals

� Lambs symbolise sacrificial lamb of God or the innocence

of children

Torch symbol

� Serpents may be trampled as a triumph over sin and

death, or if depicted with tails in their mouth are the old

Celtic symbol for eternity

� Doves are the symbol for the Holy Spirit and of love, or of

peace when with olive branches, or of renewal of life when

with eagles

Trees and Plants

� Willows are the most common for mourning

� Oaks are for life and steadfastness

� Rosemary as a Shakespearian reference to remembrance

� Palms are for peace or phoenix palms as a symbol for

triumph over death

� Ivy is evergreen and stands for patience, loyalty, immortal-

ity, Christian faith and bonding

� Ferns grow in the shade and so represent humility; cut

down or a limb broken they represent death

Flowers and Fruit

� Cultivated roses without thorns can represent Christian

faith, innocence and paradise

� Wild roses represent love and perfection

Lamb symbol on grave marker Lily symbolism on cross grave marker



� Narcissi make classical reference to youth a personal

regard

� Lilies are the traditional Victorian flower for mourning,

perhaps because of their whiteness and purity

� Calla lilies also symbolise sympathy and beauty

� Apples are the forbidden fruit but are also the fruit of

sweetness in love

� Pomegranates are for fertility and were traditionally free

from worms

� Grapes represent Christ's miracles and abundance

National Symbols

� Various national symbols are common

� Celtic harp

� Shamrock - Irish

� Thistle - Scottish

� Menorah (candlestick); oil lamp; star with six points of

God's universality or with seven for completeness - Jewish

Anagrams and Monograms

Samples of these found at Waikumete are often single

letters or groups of letters that appear on memorials and do

not seem connected with the inscription and may also be

symbolic.

Some letter groups are more like symbols, such as the

group IHS which, when superimposed, looks like a dollar sign.

In Greek, iota, epsilon and sigma were the first three letters of

the name Jesus. In Latin, these letters stood for "in hoc signo

(vinces)", which means "in this sign you will conquer". More

modern times have seen this come to represent "Jesus

Hominum Salvator" or "Jesus the Saviour of Men".

Other letter groups represented at Waikumete:

� XP or Chi-Rho - the first two Greek letters of the name of

Christ - refer to being buried under Christ. They are

sometimes reversed as PX for pax or peace

� AO or Alpha and Omega - refer to the beginning and end,

often appear with book of life

� The Greek T or Tau is the initial of Theos (God), and also

the Egyptian hieroglyphic for life

� RIP - anagram for "requiescat in pace" (rest in peace)

� TNZBH - Hebrew symbol for "May their soul be bound up

in the bond for eternal life"

Monogram symbol



APPENDIX THREE: NATIVE PLANTS IN WAIKUMETE

Native Plants in Waikumete

Coprosma robusta Karamu

Cordyline australis Cabbage Tree

Cordyline banksii

Cordyline pumilio Dwarf Cabbage Tree

Corybus cheesemanii Cheeseman's Helmet Orchid

Corybus oblongus Spider Orchid

Corynocarpus laevigatus Karaka

Ctenopteris heterophylla

Cyathea delabata Ponga

Cyathea medullaris Mamaku

Cyathea smithii Wheki-ponga

Dacrycarpus dacrydiodes Rimu

Dacrydium cupressinum Kahikatea

Dianella nugra Turutu

Dichelachne crinita Long Hair Plume Grass

Dichelachne inaequiglumis Short Hair Plume Grass

Dichelachne micrantha

Dicksonia squarrosa Wheki

Dracophyllum sinclairii

Drosera peltata spp.Auriculata Common Sundew

Dysoxylum spectabile Kohekohe

Eleocharis gracilis Spike Rush

Frecynetia baueriana subsp.Banksii Kiekie

Gahnia setifolia

Gastrodia aff. sesamoides Pot belly orchid

Geniostoma rupestre Hangehange

Gleichenia dicarpa Tangle Fern

Gleichenia microphylla Waewaekaka

Gonocarpus incanus

Gonocarpus micranthus ssp.micranthus

Griselinia littoralis Broadleaf

Griselinia lucida Puka

Botanical Name Common Name Botanical Name Common Name

Adiantum aethiopicum

Adiantum cunninhamii Common Maidenhair

Agathis australis Kauri

Asplenium flacidum Hanging Spleenwort

Asplenium oblongifoilium Shining Spleenwort

Asplenium polyodon Sickle Spleenwort

Baumea juncea

Baumea rubiginosa

Baumea tenax

Baumea teretifolia Pakihi Rush

Blechnum discolor Crown Fern

Blechnum filiforme Thread Fern

Blechnumnovcaezelandiae Kiokio

Brachyglottis kirkiivar. angustior Kirk's Daisy

Caladena alata

Caladena bartlettii

Caladena chlorostyla

Calystegia marginata Native Bindweed

Calystegia sepium Pink Bindweed

Calystegia turguriorum Powhiwhi

Carex dispacea

Carex dissata

Carex flagellifera Glen Murray Tussock

Carex inversa Creeping Lawn Sedge

Carex lessoniana

Carex maorica Cutty Grass

Carex virgata Cutty Grass

Centella unifolia

Coprosma arborea Mamangi

Coprosma lucida

Coprosma propinqua xCoprosma robusta

Coprosma rhamnoides



Botanical Name Common Name

Gunnera monoica

Haloragis erecta spp.Erecta Koromiko

Helichrysum lanceolatum

Hoheria populnea Hohere

Homolanthus polyandrous

Hymenophyllumflabellatum Filmy Fern

Hypolepis ambigua

Isachne globosa Swamp Millet

Juncus pallidus Giant Rush

Juncus planifolius

Juncus prismatocarpus

Knightia excelsa Rewarewa

Kunzea ericoides Kanuka

Kunzea ericoides var.linearis Kanuka

Laurelia novae-zelandiae Pukatea

Lepidosperma australe Square Sedge

Lepidosperma laterale Sword Sedge

Leptospermumscoparium Manuka

Leptostigma setulosum

Leucopogon fasciculatus Mingimingi

Leucopogon fraseri Patotara

Libocedrus plumose Kaweka

Lindsaea linearis Filmy Fern

Lobelia anceps Shore Lobelia

Lycopodiella lateralis

Lycopodiumdeuterodensum

Melicytus ramiflorus Mahoe

Metrosideros excelsa Pohutakawa

Microlaena stipoides Meadow Rice Grass

Microtis parviflora

Microtis unifolia

Myrsine australis Mapou

Nertera dichondrifolia

Nestegis montana(extinct?) Narrow Leaved Maire

Olearia rani Heketara

Oplismenus imbecillis Slender Panic Grass

Oxalis exilis Creeping Oxalis

Paesia scaberula Hard Fern

Paspalum arbiculare

Phormium tenax Flax

Phyllocladustrichomenoides Tanekaha

Phylloglossum drummondii

Phymatosorus pustulus Hound's Tongue

Phymatosorus scandens Fragrant Fern

Picris burbidgei Native Oxtongue

Pittosporum crassifolium Karo

Pittosporum eugenoides Lemonwood

Pittosporum tenuifolium Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifoliumssp. colensoi Kohuhu

Pneumatopteris pennigera

Podocarpus hallii Halls Totara

Podocarpus totara Totara

Polygonum salifolium Swamp Willow Weed

Pomaderris kumeraho Kumerahou

Pomaderris phylicifoliavar ericifolia

Prasophym pumilum

Pseudognaphaliumluteoalbum agg.

Pseudopanax arboreus Fivefinger

Pseudopanax crassifolius Lancewood

Pseudopanax lessonii Houpara

Psilotum nudum

Pteridium esculentum Bracken

Pteris tremula Shaking Brake

Pterostylis agathicola Kauri Greenhood



Senecio hispidulus Fireweed

Solanum americanum Small-flowered Nightshade

Sophora chathamica Coastal Kowhai

Sophora microphylla Kowhai

Sophora fulvida Waitakere Kowhai

Tetraria capillaris

Thelymitra aemula Sun Orchid

Thelymitra carnea Sun Orchid

Thelymitra colensoi Sun Orchid

Thelymitra longifolia White Sun Orchid

Thelymitra puaciflora Sun Orchid

Thelymitra pulchella Blue Sun Orchid

Thelymitra tholiformis Sun Orchid

Thelymitra aff. ixioides Spotted sun Orchid

Typha orientalis Raupo

Uncinia uncinata Hook Grass

Wahlenbergia violacea Harebell

Pterostylis gramineavar rubricaulis

Pterostylis puberula

Pterostylis tasmanica

Pterostylis trullifolia Trowel-leaved Greenhood

Pyrrosia eleagnifolia

Quintinia serrata Tawheowheo

Rytiodosperma biannulare Danthonia

Rytiodosperma clavatum Bristle Grass

Rytiodosperma gracile Bristle Grass

Rytiodosperma unarede Bristle Grass

Schizaea bifida

Schizaea fistulosa Comb Fern

Schoenus apagon Bog Rush

Schoenus brevifolius Bog Rush

Schoenus tendo

Senecio esleri

Senecio glomeratus Fireweed


This list was adapted from information from Esler & Cameron (1990), Wilcox (1998), Landcare Research (1999) and de Lange

and Crowcroft (2001).



APPENDIX FOUR: WEED SPECIES PRESENT IN WAIKUMETE

Aristea ecklonii

Escallonia bifada

Pyracantha crenulata

Selaginella kraussiana

Agave americana

Agapanthus orientalis Agapanthus

Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily

Leptospermum flavescens Australian Tea Tree

Leptospermum petersoniissp. Lanceolata Australian Tea Tree

Acacia. mearnsii Black Wattle

Rubus fruticosus agg. Blackberry

Ipomoea indica Blue Morning Glory

Chrysanthemoides monilifera Bone-seed

Paraserianthes lophantha Brush Wattle

Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass

Watsonia bulbillifera Bulbil Watsonia

Asparagus densiflorus Bushy Asparagus

Ligustrum sinense Chinese Privet

Asparagus scandens Climbing Asparagus

Ficus pumila Climbing Fig

Cotoneaster glaucophyllus Cotoneaster

Egeria densa Egeria

Elaeagnus x reflexa Elaeagnus

Alocasia brisbanensis Elephant's Ear

Lathyrus latifolius Everlasting Pea

Tropaeolum majus Garden Nasturtium

Senecio. mikanioides German Ivy

Ulex europaeus Gorse

Salix cinerea Grey Willow

Leontodon taraxacoides Hawkbit

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Ilex aquifolium Holly

Phytolacca octandra Inkweed

Weed Species Present in Waikumete


Hedera helix Ivy

Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle

Solanum. pseudocapsicum Jerusalem Cherry

Hedychium gardnerianum Kahili Ginger

Eriobotrya japonica Loquat

Erigeron karvinskianus Mexican Daisy

Ageratina riparia Mistflower

Acmena smithii Monkey Apple

Crocosmia xcrocosmiiflora Montbretia

Araujia sericifera Moth Plant

Hakea sericea Needlebush

Cortaderia jubata Pampas

Cortaderia selloana Pampas

Vinca major Periwinkle

Phoenix canariensis Phoenix Palm

Populus spp. Poplar

Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig

Ligustrum spp Privet

Salix. Purpurea Purple Osier

Salix. x reichardtii Pussy Willow

Pinus radiata Radiata Pine

Rhaphiolepis umbellata Sexton's Bride

Impatiens sodenii Shrub Balsam

Erica lusitanica Spanish Heath

Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle

Schedonorus phoenix Tall Fescue

Ligustrum lucidum Tree Privet

Nephrolepis cordifolia Tuber Ladder Fern

Hypericum androsaemum Tutsan

Tradescantia fluminensis Wandering Willy

Hedychium flavescens Wild Ginger

Hakea salicifolia Willow-leaved Hakea

Solanum. mauritianum Woolly Nightshade

This list was adapted from Landcare Research et al (1999), Dixon (1999) and de Lange and Crowcroft (2001).


APPENDIX FIVE: PRIORITY WEEDS FOR CONTROL IN OLDER PARTS OF THE CEMETERY

Agapanthus orientalis Agapanthus

Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed

Watsonia bulbillifera Bulbil Watsonia

Ficus pumila Climbing Fig

Cotoneaster spp. Cotoneaster

Elaeagnus x reflexa Elaeagnus

Escallonia bifada

Ulex europaeus Gorse

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Ilex aquifolium Holly

Hedera helix Ivy

Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle

Erigeron karvinskianus Mexican Daisy

Priority Weeds for Control in Older Parts of the Cemetery


This list has been compiled from Haines and Esler (1998) and Dixon (1999).

Amena smithii Monkey Apple

Cortaderia spp. Pampas

Phoenix canariensis Phoenix Palm

Metrosideros excelsa Pohutukawa (on graves)

Populus spp. Poplar

Ligustrum spp. Privet

Pinus radiata Radiata Pine

Pyracantha crenulata

Rhaphiolepis umbellata Sexton's Bride

Erica lusitanica Spanish Heath

Hypericum androsaemum Tutsan

Acacia spp. Wattle

Solanum mauritianum Woolly Nightshade


APPENDIX SIX: SPECIES SUITABLE FOR AMENITY AND LANDSCAPE PLANTING IN WAIKUMETE

Liquidamber styraciflua American Sweet Gum

Fraxinus excelsior Ash

Fraxinus oxycarpa"raywoodii" Claret Ash

Ulmus x hollandica Elm

Quercus robur English Oak

Eucalyptus species Eucalypts, Gums

Fraxinus excelsior"aurea" Golden Ash

Quercus ilex Holm Oak

Gleditsia tricanthes Honey Locust

Cryptomeria japonica Japanese Cedar

Chaemaecyparislawsoniana Lawson's Cypress

Species Suitable for Amenity and Landscape Planting in Waikumete

Species Common Name Species Common Name

Platanus acerifolia London Plane

Gingko biloba Maidenhair Tree

Fraxinus ornus Manna Ash

Platanus orientalis Oriental Plane

Quercus palustris Pin Oak

Corymbia ficifolia Red Flowering-Gum

Quercus rubra Red Oak

Quercus coccinea Scarlet Oak

Callistemon rigidus Stiff Bottlebrush

Taxodium distichum Swamp Cypress

Magnolia soulangeana Tulip Magnolia

Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree

Magnolia denudata Yulan Magnolia

Exotic Trees

Carex. Dissita

Carex. Maorica

Carex. Virgata

Coprosma lucida

Cordyline australis Cabbage Tree

Corokia cotoneaster Corokia

Cordyline banksii

Cordyline pumilio Dwarf Cabbage Tree

Pseudopanaxarboreus Five Finger

Carex. Flagellifera Glen Murray Tussock

Gahnia setifolia

Podcarpus hallii Hall's Totara

Geniostoma rupestre Hangehange

Phormium tenax Harakeke, Flax

Olearia rani Heketara

Hoheria populnea Houhere, Lacebark


Pseudopanax lessonii Houpara

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides Kahikatea

Kunzea ericoides Kanuka

Corynocarpus laevigatus Karaka

Pittosporum crassifolium Karo

Agathis australis Kauri

Dysoxylum spectabile Kohekohe

Hebe stricta Koromiko

Pomaderris kumeraho Kumarahou

Pomaderris phylicifoliavar. ericifolia

Pseudopanax crassifolius Lancewood

Pittosporum eugenioides Lemonwood

Cyathea medullaris Mamaku

Coprosma arborea Mamangi

Leptospermum scoparium Manuka

Myrsine australis Mapou

Native Trees and Shrubs

(Note: pohutakawa should not be included in any planting)



APPENDIX SIX: SPECIES SUITABLE FOR AMENITY AND LANDSCAPE PLANTING IN WAIKUMETE

Leucopogon fasciculatus Mingimingi

Leucopogon fraseri Patotara

Griselinia lucida Puka

Laurelia novae-zelandiae Pukatea

Knightia excelsa Rewarewa

Dacrydium cupressinum Rimu

Schoenus. tendo

Cyathea dealbata Silverfern

Sophora microphylla Small-leaved Kowhai

Cyathea. smithii Soft Treefern

Phyllocladus trichomanoides Tanekaha

Podcarpus totara Totara

Dianella nigra Turutu

Dicksonia squarrosa Wheki


APPENDIX SEVEN: WILDFLOWERS IN WAIKUMETE

Allium roseum spp. bulbiferum Alliaceae

Amaryllis belladonna

Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Primulaceae

Aristea ecklonii Iridaceae

Babiana stricta Iridaceae

Centaurium erythraea Centaury Gentianaceae

Centranthus ruber Spur Valerian Valerianaceae

Coreopsis lanceolatus

Crepis capillaris Hawksbeard Asteraceae

Daucus carota Wild Carrot Apiaceae

Freesia refracta Freesia Iridaceae

Gladiolus undulatus Gladioli Iridaceae

Hemerocallis fulva Orange Day Lily Liliaceae

Hypoxis capensis Hypoxidaceae

Ixia maculata Iridaceae

Ixia paniculata Iridaceae

Ixia polystachya Iridaceae

Lathyrus latifolius Everlasting Pea Fabaceae

Leontodon taraxacoides Hawkbit Asteraceae

Leucantheum vulgare Oxeye Daisy Asteraceae

Leucojum aestivum Snowflake Amaryllidaceae

Linaria pupurea Scrophulariacea

Linum bienne Pale Flax Linaceae

Linum trigynum Yellow Flax Linaceae

Lotus pedunculatus Lotus Fabaceae

Lotus suaveolens Hairy Birdsfoot Trefoil Fabaceae

Lythrum hyssopifolia Loosestrife Lythraceae

Medicago lupulina Black Medic Fabaceae

Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal Lamiaceae

Myosotis sylvatica Forget-Me-Not

Narcissus bulbocodiumand other narcissus spp. Amaryllidaceae

Oxalis purpurea Oxalidceae

Parentucellia viscosa Tarweed Scrophulariaceae

Picris echoides Oxtongue Asteraceae

Wildflowers in Waikumete

Botanical Name Common Name Family


APPENDIX SEVEN: WILDFLOWERS IN WAIKUMETE

Botanical Name Common Name Family

Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Lamiaceae

Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Ranunculaceae

Romulea spp. Purple Orchid Iridaceae

Scilla peruviana Liliaceae

Sparaxis bulbifera Iridaceae

Sparaxis tricolor Iridaceae

Trifolium pratense Red Clover Fabaceae

Tritonia crocata Iridaceae

Tritonia lineata Iridaceae

Vicia sativa Vetch Fabaceae

Watsonia borbonica(includes spp. ardernii) Watsonia Iridaceae

Watsonia meriana Iridaceae

Watsonia pyramidata Ardernei

This list was adapted from information from the Friends of Waikumete.


APPENDIX EIGHT: EUCALYPT SPECIES RECORDED IN WAIKUMETE CEMETERY

Corymbia ficifolia Red Flowering Gum

Eucalyptus acaciiformis Wattle-leaved Peppermint Gum

Eucalyptus botryoides Southern Mahogany

Eucalyptus capitellata Brown Stringybark

Eucalyptus cladocalyx Sugar Gum

Eucalyptus cinerea Silver Dollar Gum

Eucalyptus consideniana Yertchuk

Eucalyptus diversicolor Karri

Eucalyptus eugeniodes Thin-leaved Stringybark

Eucalyptus fastigata Brown Barrel

Eucalyptus guilfoylei Yellow Tingle

Eucalyptus longifolia Woollybutt

Eucalyptus macarthurii Camden Woollybutt

Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood

Eucalypt Species Recorded in Waikumete Cemetery


This list was adapted from M.D. Wilcox (1998) Eucalypts at Waikumete Cemetery - Auckland.

Eucalyptus muelleriana Yellow Stringybark

Eucalyptus obliqua Messmate Stringybark

Eucalyptus ovata Swamp Gum

Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt

Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint

Eucalyptus pulchella White Peppermint

Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum

Eucalyptus radiata Narrow-leaved Peppermint

Eucalyptus resinifera Red Mahogany

Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany

Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum

Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash

Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum

Eucalyptus viminalis Manna or Ribbon Gum


BLATTODEA BLATTIDAE Celatoblatta undulivitta

Platyzosteria novae-seelandiae

COLEOPTERA ANOBIIDAE (Borer Beetles) Holcobius watti

ANTHRIBIDAE (Fungus Weevils) Garyus altus

Phymatus hetaera

Sharpius brouni

APIONIDAE Apion ulicis

CARABIDAE (Ground Beetles) Gorse Seed Weevil

Anomotarus variegatus

* Clivina vagans

Ctenognathus bidens

Neocicindela spilleri

CERAMBYCIDAE Astetholida lucida

Bethelium signiferum

Hybolasius simplex

Ptinosoma ptinoides

Spilotrogia fragilis

Xylotoles griseus

Xylotoles laetus

Zorion minutum

CHRYSOMELIDAE (Leaf Beetles) Eucolaspis colorata

Eucolaspis jucunda

* Pyrgoides sp.

COCCINELLIDAE (Ladybird Beetles) * Halmus chalybeus - Steely Blue Ladybird

* Illeis galbula

Rhyzobius fagus

COLYDIIDAE (Rough Mould Beetles) Bitoma rugosa

Pycnomerus simplex

CORYLOPHIDAE (Hooded Beetles) Sacina oblonga

CURCULIONIDAE (Weevils) Mandalotus irritus

Neolaemosaccus narinus

Paelocharis corpulentus

Phrynixus astutus

Fauna in Waikumete

Order Family Species

APPENDIX NINE: FAUNA IN WAIKUMETE

Insects

* = adventive species




Platypus apicalis

ELATERIDAE Conoderus exsul

Panspoeus guttatus

Sericotrogus subaenescens

HELODIDAE (Marsh Beetles) Cyphon sp.

LATHRIDIIDAE (Mildew Beetles) * Aridius costatus

Melanophthalma zelandica

COLEOPTERA LUCANIDAE (Stag Beetles) Ceratognathus irroratus

MELYRIDAE (Flower Beetles) Dasytes planifrons

MORDELLIDAE (Pintail Beetles) Stenomordellaria neglecta

NITIDULIDAE Epuraea imperialis

* Macroura concolor

PHALACRIDIDAE Phalacrus uniformis frigoricola

PSELAPHIDAE (Dwarf Beetles) Leptoplectus sp. 1

PTILIIDAE Notoptenidium lawsoni

SALPINGIDAE Salpingus angusticollis

SILVANIDAE * Cryptamorpha desjardinsi

STAPHYLINIDAE (Rove Beetles) Paratorchus brevipennis

* Thyreocephalus orthodoxus

TENEBRIONIDAE (Darkling Beetles) Amarygmus tristis

Artystona rugiceps

Lorelus priscus

DERMAPTERA (Earwigs) FORFICULIDAE * Forficula auricularia

DIPTERA (Flies) EPHYDRIDAE * Hydrellia tritici

SAPROMYZIDAE Sapromyza neozelandica

STRATIOMYIIDAE Beris refugiens

SYRPHIDAE * Melanostoma fasciatum

TACHINIDAE * Trigonospila brevifacies

HEMIPTERA - HETEROPTERA CERATOCOMBIDAE Ceratocombus sp.

LYGAEIDAE (Seed Bugs) Cymus novaezelandia

Margareta dominica

Targarema electa

MIRIDAE Chaetedus longiceps

Chaetedus reuterianus

Chinamiris indeclivis

* Lopus decolor




Sidnia kinbergi

* Stenotus binotatus

PENTATOMIDAE (Stink Bugs) Cermatulus nasalis nasalis

Cuspicona simplex

* Nezara viridula - Green Vegetable Bug

VELIIDAE Microvelia mcgregori

HEMIPTERA - HOMOPTERA CERCOPIDAE (Froghoppers) Carystoterpa fingens

CICADIDAE (Cicadas) Amphipsalta cingulata

CIXIIDAE Koroana interior

FLATIDAE Sephena cinerea

* Siphanta acuta

HEMIPTERA - HOMOPTERA RICANIIDAE * Scolypopa australis

HYMENOPTERA APIDAE * Apis mellifera

* Bombus terrestris

BETHYLIDAE Goniozus sp. 2

BRACONIDAE Meteorus sp.

EURYTOMIDAE Axanthosoma sp.

Systole sp.

FORMICIDAE (Ants) Chelaner antarcticus

* Mayriella abstinens

Mesoponera castanea

* Paratrechina vaga

* Pheidole rugosula

* Technomyrmex albipes

ICHNEUMONIDAE

POMPILIDAE (Spider-hunting Wasps) Epipompilus insularis

SCELIONIDAE Baeus sp.

VESPIDAE (Wasps) * Polistes chinensis - Chinese Paper Wasp

* Vespula germanica - German Wasp

LEPIDOPTERA DANAIDAE Danaus plexippus - Monarch Butterfly

GEOMETRIDAE * Phrissogonus laticostatus

Poecilasthena pulchraria

Scopula rubraria

HEPIALIDAE Aenetus virescens - Puriri Moth

LYCAENIDAE Lampides boeticus - Long-tailed Blue

Zizina otis labradus - Common Blue




OECOPHORIDAE Gymnobathra tholodella

PIERIDAE * Pieris rapae - White Butterfly

SATURNIIDAE * Antheraea eucalypti - Gum Emperor Moth

NEUROPTERA

HEMEROBIIDAE Drepanocra binocula

Micromus tasmaniae

ORTHOPTERA RHAPHIDOPHORIDAE Hemideina thoracica

TETTIGONIIDAE (Long-horned * Caedicia simplexGrasshoppers & Katydids)Conocephalus semivittatus

Spiders

(Class Arachnida) * = adventive species


ACARI TETRANYCHIDAE (Spider Mites) * Tetranychus lintearius

ARANEAE ARANEIDAE Arachnura feredayi

Eriophora pustulosa

* Poecilopachys australasia

CLUBIONIDAE Clubiona foliata

GNAPHOSIDAE * Lampona cylindrata - White-tailed Spider

Scotophaeus pretiosus

MIMETIDAE Mimetus sp.

MIGIDAE Migas sp.

MITURGIDAE Miturga sp.

PISAURIDAE Dolomedes minor - Nurseryweb Spider

STIPHIDIIDAE Stiphidium facetum

STIPHIDIIDAE

TETRAGNATHIDAE Leucauge dromedaria

Tetragnatha

THERIDIIDAE * Achaearanea veruculata

Argyrodes antipodiana

Episinus sp.

* Steatoda capensis

THOMISIDAE (Crab Spiders) Diaea albolimbata

Diaea sp.

Sidymella spp.

Trogloneta sp.



ANGUILLIDAE Anguilla dieffenbachii Long-finned Eel

ELEOTRIDAE Gobiomorphus huttoni Red-Finned Bully

Gobiomorphus sp.

GALAXIIDAE Galaxias fasciatus Banded Kokapu

Family Species Common Name

Fish

(Osteichthyes)

Paramephrops planifrons Koura

Paratya sp. Shrimps

Species Common NameOther Aquatic Life

SKINKIDAE Cyclodina aenea Copper Skink


Reptiles

(Reptilia)

Felix Cat

Rattus rattus Rat

Guinea pig

Possum

Species Common Name

Mammals

(Mamalia)

Birds

(Aves) * = adventive species

PHASIANIDAE * Phasianus colchicus Ring-necked Pheasant

CHARADRIIDAE Vanellus miles novaehollandiae Spur-winged Plover

PSITTACIDAE * Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella

CUCULIDAE Chrysococcyx lucidus Shining Cuckoo, Pipiwharauroa

STRIGIDAE Ninox novaeseelandiae Morepork, Ruru

ALCEDINIDAE Halcyon sancta vagans Kingfisher

HIRUNDINIDAE Hirundo tahitica neoxena Welcome Swallow

MUSCICAPIDAE Gerygone igata Grey Warbler

Rhipidura fuliginosa Fantail

TURDIDAE * Turdus philomelos clarkei Song Thrush





* Turdus merul Blackbird

ZOSTEROPIDAE Zosterops lateralis Silvereye

MELIPHAGIDAE Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae Tui

EMBERIZIDAE * Emberiza citrinella caliginosa Yellowhammer

FRINGILLIDAE * Carduelis chloris Greenfinch

* Carduelis carduelis britannica Goldfinch

* Fringilla coelebs gengleri Chaffinch

PLOCEIDAE * Passer domesticus House Sparrow

STURNIDAE * Sturnus vulgaris Starling

* Acridotheres tristis Indian Myna

CRACTIDAE * Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie

Mallard duck

Chicken

Cailfornian quail

These lists have been compiled from Landcare Research et al (1999) and McGlynn (1999).


APPENDIX TEN: WAITAKERE CITY COUNCIL BYLAW 18

Waitakere City Council

Bylaw no. 18

Cemeteries and Crematoria

1 SHORT TITLE

The short title of this Bylaw shall be the Waitakere City

Council Bylaw No. 18 1990 - Cemeteries and Crematoria.

2 COMMENCEMENT

This Bylaw shall come into force on the 13th day of March

1990.

3 INTERPRETATION

1 In this bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires:-

(a) CEMETERY means the Waikumete Cemetery,

Glen Eden and Swanson Cemetery, Swanson,

except where expressly stated otherwise.

COUNCIL means the Waitakere City Council.

REGISTRAR OF CEMETERIES means the officer

for the time being holding the position of Cemetery

Manager.

4 BURIALS

4.01 Council May Sell Exclusive Right of Burial

Except as otherwise provided in this Bylaw, the

Council may make plots available for sale and

exclusive right of burial in such portion or portions

of the Cemetery as the Council may from time to

time open up or set aside for that purpose.

4.02 Certificate of Purchase

Evidence of such purchase shall be recorded on a

certificate in the form set out in the First Schedule

of this Part of this Bylaw PROVIDED that a

duplicate certificate may be given upon satisfac-

tory proof of the original having been lost and on

payment of the fee fixed by the Council.

4.03 Plan of Cemetery and Register of Sales

The Registrar of Cemeteries shall keep a plan of

the Cemetery and a register in which he shall

record the burials and also the number of each

plot in which the exclusive right of burial has been

purchased, and the name of the purchaser

thereof, and the date of the purchase. The said

plan and register shall be available for public

inspection at the Registrar's office, Waikumete,

during ordinary office hours.

4.04 Term of Purchase and Size of Plot Purchased

Each exclusive right of burial shall ensure for the

period of sixty years from the date of the sale and

the size of the plot purchased shall be 243

centimetres by 120 centimetres or 213 centime-

tres by 90 centimetres or 183 centimetres by 91

centimetres or 120 centimetres by 60 centimetres

according to the location as may be determined

from time to time by the Council. The date of

burial taking place will be deemed to be the date

of purchase in plots not pre-purchased.

4.05. Purchase Price of Exclusive Right of Burial

(1) The price of exclusive right of burial shall be fixed

from time to time by resolution of the Council and

shall be paid to the Registrar of Cemeteries.

(2) With specific reference to Swanson Cemetery, an

additional "Out of District Fee" shall be payable in

the case of a burial of a deceased person not

residing within the boundaries of Waitakere City for

at least three months prior to date of death, and in

the case of a stillborn child unless one of whose

parents was a resident or ratepayer of the district

for three months prior to the birth of such child.

Residence by a person in a hospital or institution in

the City shall not be deemed resident in the City

and the Cemetery Manager of the Council shall

decide in each case whether an "Out of District

Fee" is payable in respect of such a person.

4.06 Buying of More Than Two Plots

Except with the prior approval of the Council no

person shall be entitled to purchase the exclusive

right to burial to more than two plots either at the

one time or from time to time or to own more than

exclusive right to burial of two plots at the one time.

4.07 Buying Two or More Adjoining Plots

The owner of a right over two or more adjoining

plots in the old division of the Waikumete Cem-



etery where the sixty year term is still current shall

also be entitled to the exclusive use of the ground

lying between them. This clause relates exclu-

sively to Waikumete Cemetery.

4.08 Purchaser Entitled to Provide Monuments in

Certain Circumstances

Every person purchasing an exclusive right to

burial shall be entitled to mark the grave in

accordance with the regulations governing that

part of the Cemetery in which the plot is situated.

4.09 Still-Born and Neonatal Children

(1) Council shall make available an area of the

Cemetery for the burial of still-born and neonatal

children in graves measuring 120 centimetres by

60 centimetres and, except as provided in Clause

4.09 (2), no such grave shall be capable of

purchase nor marked by a headstone or be

otherwise identified.

(2) Upon application and payment of the prescribed

fee and in accordance with Clause 4.01, an

exclusive right for burial may be purchased for

still-born and neonatal children.

(3) For the purposes of paragraphs 4.09 (1) and 4.09

(2) of this clause a neonatal baby is one that has

been born alive, but which has not lived for more

than twenty-eight days.

(4) Nothing in this clause shall in any way affect the

right of the relatives of a neonatal baby to arrange

for its body to be buried elsewhere in the Cem-

etery, and under the usual conditions pertaining to

the burial of children in that part.

4.10 Armed Services Area

The Council will not sell the exclusive right of

burial in respect of any plot in those portions of the

Cemetery reserved exclusively for the burial of

servicemen and service women and known as the

Soldiers, Naval and Air Force Areas respectively.

4.11 Re-purchase of Unused Exclusive Right for Burial

Subject to Clause 4.04 Council may, if in the

opinion of the Registrar of Cemeteries a resale

value will be realised, re-purchase the exclusive

right for burial offered to it where no interments

have taken place, at the original purchase price.

4.12 Transfer of Right of Burial

Any purchaser of an exclusive right of burial in any

plot in which there have been no burials, may, with

the consent of the Council and after payment of

the registration fee as fixed by the Council,

transfer the plot to any other person.

4.13 Plot Transfers

Any purchaser applying for a transfer of a plot

shall pay all duty and taxes relating to the transfer.

4.14 Burial of Indigent Persons

In applying for the burial at reduced charges of a

person who died indigent, the applicant shall

certify in writing to the Registrar of Cemeteries

that the deceased had left insufficient means to

pay the ordinary burial charge as fixed by this

Bylaw and that his next-of-kin or other persons are

unable or unwilling to pay the same.

4.15 Reopening of Graves

Where the exclusive right of burial has not been

sold by the Council, no grave may be reopened for

a further burial except with the consent of the

Council, unless the person to be buried is a rel-

ative of a person already buried in that grave. The

term "relative" as used here shall mean husband,

wife, parent, children, sister or brother. Consent

of Council would require purchase of said

exclusive right of burial to that plot at current date.

4.16 Number of Persons in a Grave

Not more than three adult persons shall be buried

in any one plot without the prior written consent of

the Council PROVIDED however that the burial of

more than one person in plots in portions of the

Cemetery referred to in Clause 4.10 hereof or in

that portion of the Cemetery known as the

"Mercantile Marine Area" shall not be permitted.

4.17 Burial Applications

In all cases, application for burial shall be made to

the Registrar of Cemeteries in the form set out in

the Second Schedule of this Part of this Bylaw.


4.18 Application for Burial

No person shall apply for a burial less than six

working hours prior to the time at which he desires

the burial to take place.

4.19 Time of Interment Services

Interment Services within the Cemetery shall be

so arranged as to begin no later than 3.00 pm on

any day.

4.20 Burial Charges

Payment of the fees prescribed shall accompany

the application referred to in Clause 4.16 above,

PROVIDED however that in the case of a burial

under the management or control of a funeral

director, the Registrar of Cemeteries may waive at

his discretion the requirement as to prior payment

and may charge the cost of the burial against the

funeral director concerned on the basis of a

quarterly account.

4.21 Scale of Charges

The Council may from time to time fix the scale of

charges payable for digging and reopening

graves, for the attendance of the Cemetery

Manager at an interment in any vault and for the

disinterment or interment of any body and for

other services in the Cemetery.

4.22 Digging of Graves

No person other than the Cemetery Manager, or

his assistants, appointed by the Council shall dig

any grave or open the ground for any burial in any

part of the Cemetery.

4.23 Depth of Graves

All graves for the burial of persons 10 years of age

or under shall be 152 centimetres deep; and over

that age 213 centimetres deep, but in the event of

a greater depth being required, an extra charge as

fixed by the Council shall be made for every 30

centimetres more than 213 centimetres deep.

4.24 Construction of Vaults

A person purchasing the exclusive right of the

burial in any plot shall not excavate the plot for the

purpose of constructing nor shall he construct any

vault therein unless before the construction he has

submitted to the Council and to the territorial local

authority plans of and specifications for the

proposed work and has been given approval for

the work by both the Council and the territorial

local authority.

4.24.01 Plans and Specifications of Vaults

The plans and specifications referred to in 4.24

above shall show the depth, the length, and the

breadth of the vault, the lining thereof (which shall

be of brickwork or of concrete or of stone set in

cement) and provision must be made for all

entrances to the vault being securely fastened.

4.25 Coffins in Vaults

No person shall place any coffin in any vault

unless the coffin is lined with lead or other metal

approved by the Council and is firmly and securely

soldered; HOWEVER an ordinary and unlined

coffin may be laid in any vault, provided that the

vault is immediately thereafter completely encased

with concrete so as to prevent the escape of

noxious vapour.

4.26 Vaults to be Kept in Good Repair

The purchaser of the plot in which a vault has

been constructed or his assignee shall keep and

maintain the vault in proper order and repair to the

satisfaction of the Council. If such purchaser or

his assignee fails so to do, the Council may

prohibit any further interment therein until the vault

has been put in proper order and repair.

4.27 Enclosure of Plots and Erection of Monuments

(1) No person who has purchased the exclusive right

of burial in any plot shall enclose such plot or

erect any monument or tablet (as these works are

defined in Section 2 of the Burial and Cremation

Act 1964) unless before he erects such enclosure,

monument or tablet, he submits a plan thereof and

a copy of every proposed epitaph or inscription for

approval by the Council and pays the permit fee

for monuments as fixed from time to time by the

Council.

(2) Every enclosure, monument or tablet shall be of

such design and so placed that it will resist



deterioration from the weather and other natural

causes.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-clause 4.27

(1) of this clause, the Council may, in any

particular case, permit the erection of a monument

or tablet composed of fibreglass or plastic

material. Any such permission shall be subject to

the conditions that, if in the Council's opinion it

has deteriorated through weathering to a state

where it has become visually objectionable, the

Council may call upon the relatives of the person

interred to remove it. In default of compliance, the

Council may itself arrange for its removal.

4.28 Restriction of Memorials or Other Structures

The Council may from time to time determine what

fences, memorials or other structures may be

erected in any portion of the Cemetery and may

set aside portions of the Cemetery in which no

enclosures, memorials or other structures shall be

erected except by the Council and no person shall

erect an enclosure, memorial or other structure

except in accordance with the provisions of this

Clause.

4.29 Disinterments

An application for disinterment will only be

accepted from a funeral director and conducted

pursuant to Sections 51 and 55 of the Burial and

Cremation Act 1964 and subject to the payment of

such fees as the Council by resolution decides.

4.30 Lawn Cemetery

(1) In any portion or portions of the Cemetery which

the Council may from time to time set aside for

use as a lawn cemetery, no person shall:

(a) Erect any kerb, railing fence, building or other

structure on or around any single plot or part

thereof.

(b) Construct or place any tombstone, memorial

or structure upon any plot or adjacent thereto

in any such portion or portions of the Cem-

etery except in conformity with the following

provisions:-

(2) A mount to accommodate the plaque or a mount

incorporating the plaque (each hereinafter referred

to as "the mount") shall be placed on the berm

and securely affixed thereto.

(3) The surface of the mount shall slope towards the

plot to which it relates and it shall reduce in height

from 120mm above the berm down to 40mm.

(4) The mount shall be 550mm in width and 380mm

in depth, measured horizontally, of rectangular

shape, and the edge nearer the plot to which it

relates shall lie 120mm in from the edge of the

berm.

(5) The mount (and the plaque if it is not a component

of the mount) shall be of a material permanently

resistant to the weather, and of a type approved

by the Registrar of Cemeteries.

(6) The plaque shall measure not greater than

510mm in width and not greater than 345mm in

depth and it shall be placed in the centre of the

mount.

(7) The plaque, if not a component of the mount, shall

be securely affixed to it and flush with the surface

of the mount.

(8) Mounts on a berm intended to accommodate

plaques for plots lying opposite each other shall

be constructed back to back.

(For ease of reference the measurements

described in sub-clause (2) above are shown

diagrammatically in the Third Schedule of this Part

of this Bylaw).

4.31 Berm Cemetery

(1) In any portion or portions of the Cemetery which

the Council may from time to time set aside for

use as a concrete berm area, no person shall

construct, erect or place any tombstone, head-

stone, monument or structure without the prior

permission of the Council and subject, in any

event, to compliance with the following condi-

tions:-



(a) No such work shall be of greater depth than

38 centimetres or greater height than 90

centimetres including concrete base which

shall not exceed 15 centimetres in height.

The width of a single monument shall not

exceed 105 centimetres and a double

monument 182 centimetres.

(b) A space of at least 15 centimetres of clear

berm shall be allowed in front of the monu-

ment or concrete base. The concrete base

shall be extended at the rear to 7.5 centime-

tres from the centre of the berm.

(c) In the case of a single monument, the length

of the concrete base shall not exceed 106

centimetres and for a double monument 198

centimetres.

(d) Where the slope of the berm is consider-

able and the concrete base cannot be

levelled up within the maximum height of

15 centimetres allowed, the end of the

concrete base at the higher end of the

berm must be reduced to 0.5 centimetres

before any increase above 15 centimetres

is made to the end of the concrete base on

the lower end of the berm.

4.32 Work on Graves

No person shall do any work on any grave unless

specifically authorised by the Registrar of

Cemeteries so to do, or without like authority,

place any permanent materials thereon PRO-

VIDED that this clause shall not apply to the

relatives or friends of a person buried therein

beautifying the grave by placing flowers thereon.

4.33 Removal of Rubbish

Every person who, when excavating for any vault

or erecting any memorial or fence or putting any

grave in order, digs up or throws out any earth or

rubbish shall remove the same to a place in the

Cemetery as set aside for this purpose by the

Cemetery Manager.

4.34 Shrubs and Trees

Any shrub planted in the Cemetery shall be kept

trimmed to the satisfaction of the Registrar of

Cemeteries and no person shall plant any shrub or

tree therein without his consent. The Registrar of

Cemeteries may require the removal of any shrub

or tree which he may consider cannot be trimmed

effectively.

4.35 Vehicles and Animals in the Cemetery

No person shall ride or drive any vehicle within the

Cemetery otherwise than for funeral purposes or

for visiting graves, nor bring any animal into the

Cemetery without the consent of the Cemetery

Manager.

5. CREMATIONS

The following provisions shall apply to cremations

exclusively in the Waikumete Cemetery.

5.01 Application for Cremation

Every application for cremation shall be in

accordance with the Cremation Regulations 1973.

5.02 Time for Cremations

Cremation Services in the Chapel shall be so

arranged as to being not later than 3.00 pm on

any day. The delivery of a casket for cremation is

to occur not later than 3.00 pm on Saturdays and

Public Holidays and not later than 4.00 pm on any

other day.

5.03 Coffin

The coffin shall be made of some readily combus-

tible wood or any other combustible material (as

shall be approved by the Council) and may have

the usual furniture. There shall not be any cross

pegs on the bottom of the coffin and wooden pegs

in this part shall be carefully countersunk. Pitch

and sawdust should not be used inside the coffin.

The Council will not permit cremation of a body in

a lead or iron coffin. If a metal case is necessary,

a thin lining of tin may be used, but no other

material. The coffin must not exceed 213

centimetres in length, 61 centimetres in depth and

76 centimetres in width. It may be polished but

must not be painted or varnished.



5.04 Funeral Service

The friends of the deceased person may appoint

anyone whom they please to officiate at the

funeral service, and the Chapel at the cremato-

rium shall be available for any form of service or

ceremony.

5.05 Incineration

Two representatives of the deceased may see the

body placed in the incinerating hall after the

service in the chapel, but no inspection of the

actual process of incineration is permitted.

5.06 Coffin not to be Opened

The coffin shall not be opened in the crematorium

except when required by the Cemetery Manager.

5.07 Late Cremation

The Cemetery Manager may delay until after the

last cremation for the day is complete the

cremation of a body arriving so late as to be likely

to delay succeeding cremations, or which by being

enclosed in a coffin not in accordance with this

Bylaw will take more than the usual time to burn.

5.08 Disposal of Ashes

Cardboard or plastic boxes for receiving of ashes

may be obtained at the Cemetery Manager's

Office. Any person receiving ashes may supply

an urn of any other approved material and

design.

5.09 Uplifting Receptacles

The receptacle containing the ashes must be

uplifted from the Cemetery Manager within

fourteen days from the date of the cremation.

Any receptacles aforementioned not uplifted

within the period specified will be subject to a

charge of $1.00 for each day held after the

fourteenth day.

5.10 Burning of Ashes

For those who desire the ashes to be burned in

the Cemetery, a special portion has been set

aside in which an urn can be buried or in any plot

subject to the purchase of an exclusive right of

burial to that plot.

5.11 Niches for Depositing of Ashes

(a) Receptacles containing ashes may be deposit-

ed in niches provided by the Council in walls

at the rear of the crematorium, the choice of

these two sites being with the person desiring

that the ashes shall be so deposited.

(b) Ashes will be accepted for deposit upon and

subject to the following conditions:-

(i) Niches in the Columbarium are of three

kinds whilst those in the walls at the rear

of the crematorium are of two kinds.

Niches may be purchased on payment of

the charges as fixed from time to time by

the Council.

(ii) On the expiration of 50 days in the case of

Columbarium Niches and 20 years for

niches in the wall from the date that the

niches have been purchased, it shall

revert to the Council for redisposal in such

manner as the Council shall think fit

unless, in the case of niches with 20 year

tenure, before the expiration of that period

an application has been made to the

Council for renewal for the period of

despite for a further 20 years, and

payment made of an amount as fixed by

the Council and applying at time of

renewal. On the expiration of such

second period of 20 years, the niche shall

revert to the Council without right of

renewal.

(c) In every case the ashes shall be contained in

a receptacle approved by the Council and the

Council will supply a receptacle free of charge

upon application.

(d) Inscription plates shall be supplied and affixed

only by the Council and without charge

provided however that the cost of inscribing

the plate shall be borne by the purchaser.

(e) If a niche is rendered empty by the removal of

the receptacle, it shall revert to the Council.



(f) The Council shall not be called upon to make

any refund or other allowance if a receptacle

is removed from its niche before the end of

the period in respect of which payment has

been made.

(g) The Council will arrange for the burial of the

ashes in a receptacle taken from a niche in a

portion of the Cemetery adjoining the

crematorium and designated the Garden of

Remembrance and no charge shall be made

for this service.

5.12 Fees for Cremation

(a) The charges payable in respect of the

Crematorium shall be fixed from time to time

by resolution of the Council.

(b) All such charges must be paid in advance

when the cremation is arranged and no

cremations shall be permitted to take place

until the proper fees have been paid PRO-

VIDED that in the case of a cremation

arranged by a funeral director, the Registrar of

Cemeteries may at his discretion waive the

foregoing requirement as to prior payment and

charge the cost of such cremation against

such funeral director on the basis of a

quarterly account.

6 CHARGES AND FEES

The Council may from time to time by resolution fix and

alter the fees and charges payable under this Part of this

Bylaw for burials or cremations and may fix and alter any

fees or charges for services provided by the Council in

respect of burials or cremations in the district.

7 DISPENSING POWER

Where, in the opinion of the local authority, full compliance

with any of the provisions of this bylaw would needlessly

or injuriously affect the course of operation of the business

of, or be attended with loss or inconvenience to, any

proprietor without any corresponding benefit to the

community, the local authority may, on the special

application of that proprietor dispense with the full

compliance with the provisions of this bylaw PROVIDED

THAT any other terms or conditions (if any) that the local

authority may deem fit to impose shall be complied with by

such proprietor as aforesaid.

8 OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

Every person commits an offence against this Bylaw who

does any act in contravention of or fails to comply with any

requirement thereof. Every person commits an offence

against this Bylaw who does in anyway or form destroy,

damage or alter any sign erected in accordance with the

provisions of this Bylaw. Every person who commits an

offence against this Bylaw is liable on summary conviction

to a fine not exceeding $500.00 for every day or part of a

day during which the offence continues. The continued

existence of any work or thing in a state contrary to any

requirement of this Bylaw shall be deemed a continuing

offence.

The Common Seal of the

WAITAKERE CITY COUNCIL

was hereunto affixed pursuant to a

resolution of Council passed on

28 February 1990 in the presence of:

____________________________________

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

____________________________________

MANAGER: FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION



APPENDIX ELEVEN: WAIKUMETE CEMETERY ADVISORY GROUP

Buffett, Beverley West Auckland Historical Society

Cameron, Ewen Auckland Botanical Society

Clews, Janet Councillor - WCC

Dallow, Ross Councillor - WCC

Dibble, Harley WCC Archivist (to June 2000)

Dixon, Melanie WCC Landscape Planning Co-ordinator (to May 2001)

Donald, Aranne Friends of Waikumete

Easton, Lois WCC Service Manager, Landscape Development

Fuller, Jenny WCC Policy Analyst Green Network (to Dec. 1999)

Gilligan, Mary Friends of Waikumete

Graham, Robert WCC Resource Planner

Haines, Lesley Friends of Waikumete

Jamieson, Alastair Auckland Regional Council

Jarvis, Naomi NZ Genealogists Society

Lambert, Renee WCC Reserve Management Planner (from March 2000)

Lange, Audrey Friends of Waikumete

Little, Neil Auckland Funeral Directors Association

Matafeo, Ronnie Pacific Islands Advisory Board

Ramsay, Dr Graeme Forest and Bird - West Auckland Branch

Resnick, Graham Waikumete Cemetery Manager (from July 1999)

Reynolds, David NZ Historic Places Trust

Ritchie, Jo WCC Project Management (to June 2000)

Rutledge, Allan WCC Director: City Enterprises (to September 2002)

Taylor, Sandy New Lynn Community Board

Te Huia, Jack Te Taumata Runanga

Thompson, Clifton Waikumete Cemetery Manager (to July 1999)

Thomson, Graeme Auckland Monumental Masons Association

Tito-Nekeare, Annie Pacific Islands Advisory Board

Wears, Lesley WCC Executive Officer, City Enterprises (to December 2002)

Waikumete Cemetery Advisory Group



APPENDIX TWELVE: REFERENCES & BIBLIOGRAPHY

References:

Auckland Public Library (Special Collections and

Auckland Research Centre)

Auckland City Council Archive

Bradshaw, Colin

Friends of Waikumete Collection

Gilligan, Mary (Private Collection)

Porter, E. Daphne

Waitakere City Council Archives

Waitakere City Libraries (Historical Collection)

Bibliography:

Auckland City Council, 1996: Symonds Street Cemetery

Conservation Plan

Barnett, Shafer, Corfe Landscape Architects and Designers,

1991: Waikumete Cemetery Development Plan

Bridges, Susannah, 1998: Waikumete Cemetery, published by

Friends of Waikumete Inc.

Boffa Miskell Ltd, 1999: Waikumete Cemetery Invertebrate

Survey Review

Boffa Miskell Ltd, September 2000: Waikumete Cemetery

Landscape Evaluation and Management Proposals

Braggins, J. E. 1974: Phylloglossum � miniature denizen of

the north. Wellington Botanical Society Bulletin 38: 28-34

Bush D. 1971: Decently and In Order

Cameron, E. and Esler A.E., 1990: Wild Plants of Waikumete

Cemetery

Cameron, E. et al, 1997: Waikumete Cemetery � What

Wildflowers

Cameron, E. et al, 1997: A Field Guide to Auckland: Exploring

the Regions Natural and Historic Heritage

References & Bibliography

Cameron, E. 1998: Submission on Intention to Prepare

Waikumete Conservation Management Plan

Clough and Associates in association with Salmond Architects,

April 1999: Waikumete Cemetery: An Assessment of Features

of Cultural Heritage Significance

Collett, Gerald, 2000: Arboricultural Survey of Waikumete

Cemetery

Dave Pearson Architects Limited, 1998: Glen Eden Railway

Station Conservation Plan

Department of Conservation and Land Management, 1993:

Rockwood Necropolis Plan of Management

de Lange, P. J.; Heenan, P. B.; Given, D. R.; Norton, D. A.;

Ogle, C. C.; Johnson, P. N.; Cameron, E. K. 1999a: Threat-

ened and uncommon plants of New Zealand. New Zealand

Journal of Botany 37: 603-628.

de Lange, P. J.; Cameron, E. K.; Stanley, R. 1999b: Threat-

ened and uncommon plants of the Auckland Region and

Kermadec Islands. Auckland Botanical Society Journal 54:

37-41

de Lange, P. J. and Norton, D. A. 2001: Review of Landcare

Research Contract Report LC9899/070 �Ecological Survey of

Waikumete Cemetery and Singer Park:.

de Lange, P. J. and Crowcroft, G. 2001: Waikumete Cemetery

Threatened and Uncommon Plant Survey and Management

Report.

Dieffenbach E. 1843: Travels in New Zealand. London, John

Murray

Elliot, M., 1994: Cemetery Requirements for Waitakere City

Council

Esler, A. and Haines, L., 1996: A Sanctuary for Weeds in The

New Zealand Garden Journal (Dec.) p.20-22

Esler, A. E. and Rumball, P. J. 1975: Gumland vegetation at


APPENDIX TWELVE: REFERENCES & BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kaikohe, Northland, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of

Botany 13: 425-436.

Friends of Mount Street Cemetery Inc., 1998: Mount Street

Cemetery Conservation Plan

Friends of Waikumete: Waikumete Cemetery: A Brief History

(pamphlet)

Friends of Waikumete, 1998: Submission on Intention to

Prepare Waikumete Conservation Management Plan

Harrison and Grierson Consultants, 1998: Glen Eden Railway

Station

ICOMOS IFLA, Florence Charter

ICOMOS NZ, Charter for the Conservation of Places of

Cultural Heritage Value

Julian A. et al, 1998: Draft Report: Ecological Survey of the

Waitakere City Lowlands � North Western Portion of the

Tamaki Ecological District, Waitakere City Council

Kerr, J.S. 1996: The Conservation Plan: A Guide to the

Preparation of Conservation Plans for Places of European

Cultural Significance

Landcare Research and Field Studies, 1999: Ecological

Survey of Waikumete Cemetery and Singer Park

McGlynn, Mike, 1999: Freshwater Fish Survey, Waikumete

Cemetery, 10-11 May 1999

National Trust of Australia, 1987: Cemeteries: A Policy Paper

National Trust of Australia, 1995: Cemeteries: Our Heritage

National Trust of Australia, 1996: National Guidelines for the

Conservation of Cemeteries

Natural Resource Assessors, 2000: Waikumete Cemetery

Uncommon Plants Survey, Interim Report

New Zealand Historic Places Trust, 1994: Guidelines for the

Preparation of Conservation Plans

New Zealand Plant Protection Society, 1998: An Illustrated

Guide to Common Weeds of New Zealand

Osborn, G.: St Andrews Church, Glen Eden; A History

Poole, A.L. and Adams, 1994: Trees and Shrubs of New

Zealand

Royal Australian Historical Society, 1990: Cemetery Conserva-

tion

Waitakere City Council: Waikumete Memorial Park and

Swanson Cemetery Draft Asset Management Plan

Waitakere City Council, 1993: Waitakere Cemetery Review

Waitakere City Council, 1995: Proposed District Plan Heritage

Appendix

Waitakere City Council Archival Material and Collection,

Waitakere City Council

Webb, C.J. et al, 1988: Flora of New Zealand, Volume 4:

Naturalised Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Dicotyledons

Whaley, K.J., Smale, M.C., Madison, P. & Senner, K., March

1999: Ecological Survey of Waikumete Cemetery and Singer

Park

Wilcox, M.D., 1998: Eucalypts at Waikumete Cemetery -

Auckland

Williams, P.A., 1992: Hakea sericea: Seed Production and

Role in Succession in Golden Bay, Nelson in Journal of the

Royal Society of New Zealand 22(4) p.304-320


APPENDIX THIRTEEN: LISTINGS

Abbreviations

ACC Auckland City Council

agg. Aggregate

ARC Auckland Regional Council

ASB Auckland Star Book

DSC Daily Southern Cross

HPT Historic Places Trust

NZ New Zealand

PNAP Protected Natural Area Programme

RSA Returned Servicemen's Association

sp. Species

TCR Town Clerk's Report

TLA Territorial Local Authority

WCC Waitakere City Council

WWI World War One


APPENDIX FOURTEEN: ICOMOS NZ CHARTER

ICOMOS New Zealand Charter

For the conservation of places of cultural heritage value

Preamble

New Zealand retains a unique assemblage of places of

cultural heritage value relating to its indigenous and its more

recent peoples. These areas, landscapes and features,

buildings, structures and gardens, archaeological and

traditional sites, and sacred places and monuments are

treasures of distinctive value. New Zealand shares a general

responsibility with the rest of humanity to safeguard its

cultural heritage for present and future generations. More

specifically, New Zealand peoples have particular ways of

perceiving, conserving and relating to their cultural heritage.

Following the spirit of the International Charter for the

Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (the

Venice Charter 1966), this charter sets out principles to guide

the conservation of places of cultural heritage value in New

Zealand. It is intended as a frame of reference for all those

who, as owners, territorial authorities, tradespeople or

professionals, are involved in the different aspects of such

work. It aims to provide guidelines for community leaders,

organisations and individuals concerned with conservation

issues. It is a statement of professional practice for members

of ICOMOS New Zealand.

Each section of the charter should be read in the light of

all the others. Definitions of terms used are provided in

section 22.

Accordingly this charter has been adopted by the New

Zealand National Committee of the International Council on

Monuments and Sites at its meeting on 7 March 1993.

1. The purpose of conservation

The purpose of conservation is to care for places of

cultural heritage value, their structures, materials and cultural

meaning. In general, such places:

(i) have lasting values and can be appreciated in their

own right;

(ii) teach us about the past and the culture of those who

came before us;

(iii) provide the context for community identity whereby

people relate to the land and to those who have gone

before;

(iv) provide variety and contrast in the modern world and a

measure against which we can compare the achieve-

ments of today; and

(v) provide visible evidence of the continuity between

past, present and future.

2. Indigenous cultural heritage

The indigenous heritage of Maori and Moriori relates to

family, hapu and tribal groups and associations. It is insepara-

ble from identity and well-being and has particular cultural

meanings.

The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding document of our

nation and is the basis for indigenous guardianship. It

recognises the indigenous people as exercising responsibility

for their treasures, monuments and sacred places. This

interest extends beyond current legal ownership wherever

such heritage exists. Particular knowledge of heritage values

is entrusted to chosen guardians. The conservation of places

of indigenous cultural heritage value therefore is conditional

on decisions made in the indigenous community, and should

proceed only in this context. Indigenous conservation precepts

are fluid and take account of the continuity of life and the

needs of the present as well as the responsibilities of guardi-

anship and association with those who have gone before. In

particular, protocols of access, authority and ritual are handled

at a local level. General principles of ethics and social respect

affirm that such protocols should be observed.

3. Conservation practice

Appropriate conservation professionals should be involved

in all aspects of conservation work. Indigenous methodolo-

gies should be applied as appropriate and may vary from

place to place. Conservation results should be in keeping with



their cultural content. All necessary consents and permits

should be obtained.

Conservation projects should include the following:

(i) definition of the cultural heritage value of the place,

which requires prior researching of any documentary

and oral history, a detailed examination of the place,

and the recording of its physical condition;

(ii) community consultation, continuing throughout a

project as appropriate;

(iii) preparation of a plan which meets the conservation

principles of this charter;

(iv) the implementation of any planned work; and

(v) the documentation of any research, recording and

conservation work, as it proceeds.

General Principles

4. Conservation method

Conservation should:

(i) make use of all relevant conservation values, knowl-

edge, disciplines, arts and crafts;

(ii) show the greatest respect for, and involve the least

possible loss of, material of cultural heritage value;

(iii) involve the least degree of intervention consistent with

long term care and the principles of this charter;

(iv) take into account the needs, abilities and resources of

the particular communities; and

(v) be fully documented and recorded.

5. Respect for existing evidence

The evidence of time and the contributions of all periods

should be respected in conservation. The material of a

particular period may be obscured or removed if assessment

shows that this would not diminish the cultural heritage value

of the place. In these circumstances such material should be

documented before it is obscured or removed.

6. Setting

The historical setting of a place should be conserved with

the place itself. If the historical setting no longer exists,

construction of a setting based on physical and documentary

evidence should be the aim. The extent of the appropriate

setting may be affected by constraints other than heritage

value.

7. Risk mitigation

All places of cultural heritage value should be assessed as

to their potential risk from any natural process or event.

Where a significant risk is determined, appropriate action to

minimise the risk should be undertaken. Where appropriate, a

risk mitigation plan should be prepared.

8. Relocation

The site of an historic structure is usually an integral part

of its cultural heritage value. Relocation, however, can be a

legitimate part of the conservation process where assessment

shows that:

(i) the site is not of associated value (an exceptional

circumstance); or

(ii) relocation is the only means of saving the structure; or

(iii) relocation provides continuity of cultural heritage

value.

A new site should provide a setting compatible with

cultural heritage value.

9. Invasive investigation

Invasive investigation of a place can provide knowledge

that is not likely to be gained from any other source. Archaeo-

logical or structural investigation can be justified where such

evidence is about to be lost, or where knowledge may be

significantly extended, or where it is necessary to establish the

existence of material of cultural heritage value, or where it is

necessary for conservation work. The examination should be

carried out according to accepted scientific standards. Such

investigation should leave the maximum amount of material

undisturbed for study by future generations.

10. Contents

Where the contents of a place contribute to its cultural

heritage value, they should be regarded as an integral part of

the place and be conserved with it.

11. Works of art and special fabric

Carving, painting, weaving, stained glass and other arts

associated with a place should be considered integral with a

place. Where it is necessary to carry out maintenance and

repair of any such material, specialist conservation advice

appropriate to the material should be sought.



12. Records

Records of the research and conservation of places of

cultural heritage value should be placed in an appropriate

archive and made available to all affected people. Some

knowledge of places of indigenous heritage value is not a

matter of public record, but is entrusted to guardians within the

indigenous community.

Conservation processes

13. Degrees of intervention

Conservation may involve, in increasing extent of

intervention: non-intervention, maintenance, stabilisation,

repair, restoration, reconstruction or adaptation. Where

appropriate, conservation processes may be applied to parts

or components of a structure or site.

Re-creation, meaning the conjectural reconstruction of a

place, and replication, meaning to make a copy of an existing

place, are outside the scope of this charter.

14. Non-intervention

In some circumstances, assessment may show that any

intervention is undesirable. In particular, undisturbed con-

stancy of spiritual association may be more important than the

physical aspects of some places of indigenous heritage value.

15. Maintenance

A place of cultural heritage value should be maintained

regularly and according to a plan, except in circumstances

where it is appropriate for places to remain without interven-

tion.

16. Stabilisation

Places of cultural heritage value should be protected from

processes of decay, except where decay is appropriate to their

value. Although deterioration cannot be totally prevented, it

should be slowed by providing stabilisation or support.

17. Repair

Repair of material or of a site should be with original or

similar materials. Repair of a technically higher standard than

the original workmanship or materials may be justified where

the life expectancy of the site or material is increased, the new

material is compatible with the old and the cultural heritage

value is not diminished. New material should be identifiable.

18. Restoration

Restoration should be based on respect for existing

material and on the logical interpretation of all available

evidence, so that the place is consistent with its earlier form

and meaning. It should only be carried out if the cultural

heritage value of the place is recovered or revealed by the

process.

The restoration process typically involves reassembly and

reinstatement and may involve the removal of accretions.

19. Reconstruction

Reconstruction is distinguished from restoration by the

introduction of additional materials where loss has occurred.

Reconstruction may be appropriate if it is essential to the

function or understanding of a place, if sufficient physical and

documentary evidence exists to minimise conjecture, and if

surviving heritage values are preserved. Reconstruction

should not normally constitute the majority of a place.

Generalised representations of typical features or structures

should be avoided.

20.Adaptation

The conservation of a place of cultural heritage value is

usually facilitated by it serving a socially, culturally or economi-

cally useful purpose. In some cases, alterations and additions

may be acceptable where they are essential to continued use,

or where they are culturally desirable, or where the conserva-

tion of the place cannot otherwise be achieved. Any change,

however, should be the minimum necessary and should not

detract from the cultural heritage value of the place. Any

additions and alterations should be compatible with original

fabric but should be sufficiently distinct that they can be read

as new work.

21. Interpretation

Interpretation of a place may be appropriate if enhance-

ment of public understanding is required. Relevant protocol

should be complied with. Any interpretation should not

compromise the values, appearance, structure or materials of

a place, or intrude upon the experience of the place.


22.Definitions

For the purposes of this charter:

adaptation means modifying a place to suit it to a

compatible use, involving the least possible loss of cultural

heritage value

conservation means the processes of caring for a place so

as to safeguard its cultural heritage value

cultural heritage value means possessing historical,

archaeological, architectural, technological, aesthetic,

scientific, spiritual, social, traditional or other special cultural

significance, associated with human activity

maintenance means the protective care of a place

material means physical matter which is the product of

human activity or has been modified by human activity

place means any land, including land covered by water,

and the airspace forming the spatial context to such land,

including any landscape, traditional site or sacred place, and

anything fixed to the land including any archaeological site,

garden, building or structure, and any body of water, whether

fresh or seawater, that forms part of the historical and cultural

heritage of New Zealand

preservation means maintaining a place with as little

change as possible

reassembly (anastylosis) means putting existing but

dismembered parts back together

reconstruction means to build again in the original form

using old or new material

reinstatement means putting components of earlier

material back in position

repair means making good decayed or damaged material

restoration means returning a place as nearly as possible

to a known earlier state by reassembly, reinstatement and/or

the removal of extraneous additions

stabilisation means the arrest of the processes of decay

structure means any building, equipment, device or other

facility made by people and which is fixed to the land

ISBN 0-473-03270-8

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEXT FIRST PUBLISHED 1993

BILINGUAL TEXT

© 1995

ICOMOS NEW ZEALAND

TE MANA O NGA POUWHENUA O TE AO -

THE NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON MONUMENTS AND SITES.

NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED,

STORED IN A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, OR TRANSMITTED BY

ANY OTHER MEANS WITHOUT THE PRIOR PERMISSION

OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER. FURTHER COPIES OF

THIS CHARTER AND MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION MAY

BE OBTAINED FROM ICOMOS NEW ZEALAND,

P O BOX 90 851, AUCKLAND 1030, NEW ZEALAND.



APPENDIX FIFTEEN: MAPS

Photograph flown 22 April 1940. NZ Aerial Mapping Limited. No 97/18 Survey no. 147. Not to Scale


APPENDIX FIFTEEN: MAPS

Photograph flown 23 May 1976. NZ Aerial Mapping Limited. No F/13Survey no. 2970. Not to Scale


Dichelachne inaequiglumis gum grass

Paspalum orbiculare native paspalum

OrchidsCaladenia alata

Caladenia atradenia

Caladenia bartlettii

Caladenia chlorostyla

Corybas cheesemanii Cheeseman's helmet orchid

Corybas oblongus Spider orchid

Gastrodia aff. sesamoides potato orchid/perei

Genoplesium pumilium midge orchid

Microtis aff. parviflora onion-leaved orchid

Microtis unifolia onion-leaved orchid

Orthoceras novae-zeelandiae grassland orchid

Plumatochilus tasmanicus

Pterostylis agathicola kauri green hood

Pterostylis trullifolia trowel-leaved green hood

Pterostylis aff. graminea

Thelymitra aemula blue sun orchid

Thelymitra colensoi sun orchid

Thelymitra pulchella sun orchid

Thelymitra tholiformis sun orchid

Thelymitra aff. ixioides spotted sun orchid

Thelymitra aff. longifolia sun orchid

Thelymitra aff. pauciflora blue sun orchid

Dicotyledonous Composite HerbsPicris burbidgei native oxtongue

Dicotyledonous VinesCalystegia marginata small-flowered bindweed

APPENDIX SIXTEEN: RARE PLANTS

Waikumete Cemetery Rare Plants List

(From PJ de Lange & G Crocroft, October 2001. Waikumete

Cemetery: Threatened and Uncommon Plant Survey and

Management Report.)

Grasses