Planning for a new cemetery on the Kāpiti Coast

We’re planning ahead to make sure there is enough cemetery space for future generations on the Kāpiti Coast. Current cemeteries are expected to reach capacity over the coming decades, with Waikanae Cemetery under the most pressure and likely to be at capacity by 2030-2032. This project focuses on identifying and securing land for a new cemetery to meet long-term community needs.

What this is about

We are planning for future burial needs across the Kāpiti Coast District. This includes:

• assessing how much space is available in existing cemeteries
• estimating future demand for burial and ash interments
• identifying and securing land for a new cemetery.

This work is guided by:

• the Open Space Strategy (2022)
• the Cemetery Asset Management Plan (2023). [PDF 6.31 MB]

Why a new cemetery is needed

Current and future capacity has been carefully assessed.

Key findings include:

• Waikanae Cemetery is under the most pressure
  • space for ash interments may be full by 2028
  • space for new in-ground burials may be full between 2030 and 2032 (existing plots can still be reused for second interments where appropriate)
• Across the district, space for new full-body burials is expected to reach capacity by around 2060.

Other factors increasing demand include:

• possible changes in burial preferences
• population growth
• the need to be prepared for events such as pandemics.

Currently, just over half of Kāpiti Coast residents choose to be buried locally. If this rate increases, demand for space will grow faster.

Site assessment phase

The project moved into the site assessment phase in late 2025.

This phase involves identifying, assessing, and ranking potential sites for a new cemetery.

Factors being considered include:

• cultural values and tikanga
• resilience to natural hazards such as earthquakes and flooding
• environmental impacts
• effects on the surrounding community
• access to the site
• operational suitability
• cost
• long-term viability.

Mana whenua will be involved throughout this process to ensure cultural values are respected.

This phase is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027.