A company that represents six runanga in Christchurch, is calling for a bylaw which bans the practice of scattering ashes in public places.
Mahaanui Kurataiao Limited (MKL wants a bylaw to include a provision that the spreading of ashes be a banned activity, except in places where permission has been granted.
Christchurch's botanical gardens is one place where ashes may not be scattered. Photo: 123RF
Currently ashes can be scattered anywhere, including rivers and council parks and reserves - the exception being the botanic gardens.
But Christchurch city councillor David East believes it would be difficult to enforce a ban.
Mr East who chairs the panel the council set up to consider the matter said Mahaanui Kurataiao expressed the cultural concerns they had about people spreading ashes.
He said Maori custom states that land where ashes have been spread is tapu and therefore prevents practices such as gathering food.
Following their last meeting, the panel concluded they had heard from Maori groups but had insufficient information from other parties to make an informed decision.
Mr East said it would be difficult to regulate and enforce the practice if a ban was put in place.
"Ultimately it comes down to what is a public place, I know people that have spread ashes at golf courses, some of those golf courses are public but some of them are private."
Mr East said there would have to be further consultation for the matter to be taken to council.
