Objectors to the creation of an urupa, or cemetery, in Invercargill have dropped their challenge, opening the way for Murihiku Maori to have a final resting place.
Neighbours who claimed the Mason Road urupa would devalue property prices abandoned their Environment Court appeal because of concern over legal costs.
Michael Skerrett, the upoko of Waihopai Runaka Holdings, says the urupa was proposed long before the neighbouring houses were built, despite resource consent only being granted last year.
He says there will be only one or two burials a fortnight, so disruption to the surrounding area will be minimal.
Mr Skerrett says the urupa, which should be ready for use within a year, will be screened by three rows of native plants including harakeke, kowhai, and totara.
