14 Jun 2016

Christchurch considers ash-scattering guidelines

9:28 pm on 14 June 2016

Christchurch mourners wanting to scatter the ashes of their dead in Christchurch may soon be directed to designated areas.

The city council is considering guidelines after local rūnanga called for the practice to be banned, saying scattering ashes in areas used for eating or sport breaches Māori protocol.

Parts of parks that may be chosen include those in Wainui, Spencer Park, Barnett Park, Victoria Park, Bottle Lake and Halswell.

The council says the public would be guided towards using these areas, but there is no plan to ban ashes being scattered in other areas.

The idea has the backing of rūnanga and will be voted on by a council committee this week.