Burials in the Queenstown Lakes district are to become more expensive, after a set of proposed new fees was approved by the council at a meeting yesterday.
As part of a review of the Queenstown Lakes District Cemetery Bylaw 2005, the burial fees are to increase for most types of interments, up to 25% for some types.
The price of buying a burial plot will remain unchanged, as will the cemetery maintenance fees.
In a report, QLDC parks manager Gordon Bailey said the its actual costs in relation to burials were not covered by the existing fees.
"On average, the actual cost of a double depth plot is $950 to prepare.
"It is proposed, however, that the price increase be only to $800 [from $650] this year for a double depth plot, with a further increase of a similar amount next year, to cover costs," Mr Bailey said.
It is proposed to increase the price for a single interment from $600 to $750.
Cr Lyal Cocks asked whether burial slots could be pre-purchased.
"While it is custom to buy a burial site in advance at some locations, here in the Queenstown Lakes district we do not allow sale of burial sites until after the time of a death.
"Otherwise we would quickly run out of space," Mr Bailey replied.
The council has also adopted a list of minor changes to the cemetery bylaw, mostly relating to the electronic recording of information, meaning certificates are no longer generally issued.
The new fees are effective from April 1.
