New ashes wall offers a place to return home

It was a humbling and special occasion for Council staff and elected members who attended the official opening of the new ash and remembrance wall at Kiritehere Urupā on 16 October.

The project to reopen the urupā and construct an ashes wall has taken two years to come to fruition following consultation and support from tangata whenua and hapū.

The cemetery had been closed for several decades, and a request from Kiritehere hapū via Maria Willison, to reopen the whenua to allow for future internment was brought to life.

Nestled in the serene, picturesque backdrop that is Kiritehere, members of the Willison whānau, hapū and other community members gathered for the special occasion.

They spoke of the history of the whenua and the comfort it brings to be able to come back home and be part of their tīpuna.

“It means the world to us, and we are so grateful to Waitomo District Council staff who worked with us to bring our vision to life,” says Maria.

Chief Executive Ben Smit says it was an honour to share the special occasion with Kiritehere whānau and the wider community.

“It’s a beautiful place, and a privilege that we could complete this project for the community.”

The memorial and ashes wall allows for 36 interments or memorial monuments, which can be acquired through Council.