Natural burial
With a natural burial, the goal is to return a loved one’s body to the earth without interfering with the natural process
We avoid manufactured chemicals and fabrics, and offer a range of beautifully crafted caskets that are certified for natural burial. Learn more about natural burial on the Natural Burials NZ website.
Makara has the only certified natural burial ground south of Ōtaki on the west coast and Carterton in the Wairarapa.
Learn more from Wellington City Council about Makara natural burial ground.
The caskets we recommend for natural burial have been certified by Natural Burials NZ
They use untreated wood and minimal metals (maybe a staple here or there), and no plastics.
There are some rules about what can go in the casket with the deceased, as everything will be returning mindfully to Papatuānuku, the earth, and needs to be biodegradable and beneficial to the native bush that will grow up on the burial ground. If you’re not sure if something will be allowed, please ask us and we’ll be able to advise.
As the native bush grows and flourishes, each burial plot becomes part of the wide landscape
There are grave markers available which are made of wood and identify a particular plot for some months after the burial. This assists families who want to come back and plant a native seedling at their loved one’s resting place. However, with time those wooden markers will break down and plantings will grow up and over the area. Eventually, access to plots is likely to become difficult or impossible, as the steep hillside returns to native bush.
Another thing to be aware of is that each plot in the natural burial ground can hold one tupāpaku (deceased person) only, and it isn’t possible to prepurchase another plot.
If you have questions about the rules, the process, the benefits and challenges of a natural burial, we’ll be more than happy to talk it over with you.
What to do when someone dies
Whether a death is expected or not, it’s normal to feel shock. You don’t have to rush. Give us a call and we’ll talk you through what happens next.
We’ll arrange to bring your loved one into our care and make a time to sit down with you. Our expert Funeral Directors will guide you through the many decisions that need to be made after a death.