Akatārawa Cemetery Development
- Project typeInfrastructure
- Project value$4.275M (Design of Stages 1 - 3, and development of Stages 1&2)'
- Project scheduleDeveloped Design
- Contractor nameSynergine Group Limited
Akatārawa Cemetery is set for an expansion with a project underway that will see the development of a block of adjacent land.
Overview
Akatārawa Cemetery is set for expansion with a project underway that will see the development of an additional block of adjacent land to meet demand.
The cemetery provides burial and ashes interment services to both Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt cities. However, it’s approaching its capacity.
Based on our current burial and ashes interment rates, we estimate that Akatārawa Cemetery will have capacity for new burials and ashes interments for the next 5 – 7 years.
To ensure we can meet future demand, we’re working with Hutt City Council to develop a block of land next to the current cemetery.
Concept development for the expansion was undertaken in June 2017. Both Councils provided for the expansion in their Long-Term Plans and anticipated that development would begin in 2022/2023.
In October 2022, Synergine was contracted by Council to advance the 2017 Concept Development Plan (2017 CDP). An outline plan for enabling works was prepared, submitted, and approved in February 2024 (see map below of 2017 CDP)
To support the enabling works, a rough access track along the 2017 CDP road layout (up to the stream crossing) was cleared. The enabling works included spot surveying, mapping of waterways, ecological and freshwater investigations, and geotechnical investigations.
2017 CDP
Site investigations and surveying completed in 2023 have revealed that the topography and ecology on site differed to that previously understood. Consequently, some adjustments to the 2017 CDP were necessary to respond to environmental constraints onsite. Notable changes include re-routing the road and reducing some interment areas to respond to environmental constraints within the development site.
In December 2023 both Councils approved the changes. The 2023 concept development plan, illustrated on the map below, outlines areas now identified for potential interment and it shows the two phases of development.
Additional enabling works, surveying and site investigations are required due to the alternate road layout proposed, these will get underway in the first half of 2024. Once they are complete, we’ll be ready to begin the more in-depth design process and we will work with key groups on the expansion plan.
The project also gives us the opportunity to consider emerging burial trends and cultural requirements, and to enhance the open space and cemetery services.
We plan to share the proposed design with the Hutt Valley community later in 2024 and consider ideas on future burial options and cemetery features that we could investigate further as part of the development and future operations.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at Akatārawacemeteryproject@uhcc.govt.nz.
2023 CDP
Phase one includes stages 1 and 2 (developing now)
Phase two includes stage 3 (development start date to be confirmed)
Akatārawa Cemetery Expansion: Progress Update
The Akatārawa Cemetery expansion project is advancing into the detailed design phase, with key updates and adjustments made to align with the community's needs and environmental considerations.
Key Updates
Site Topography and Ecology:
Recent site investigations revealed differences in the topography and ecological features compared to the 2017 development plan. The project design is being updated to better reflect these findings.
Rerouted Access Road:
An existing access road was identified during investigations, prompting a rerouting of the planned road in the expansion area. This adjustment reduces the project’s environmental impact.
Smaller Development Area:
Certain areas of the site will no longer be developed, following updated insights into the land’s natural features and ecological value.
2024 CDP
Community engagement
We plan to share the proposed design with the Hutt Valley community in 2024.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please get in touch at akatarawacemeteryproject@uhcc.govt.nz.
Project updates
Click on a month below to view.
March 2023
-
Between December 2022 and February 2023, several specialist investigations have been happening, including ecological and freshwater surveys.
-
The next step is a geotechnical investigation.
-
In March, an access track following the likely path of the future cemetery roadways will be cleared to allow access for geotechnical investigation vehicles. Several test pits will be dug and then filled in, with the area gated off once the investigation is complete.
-
The cleared track is not for public use because it is a development site, removal of wood or soil from the site by members of the public is not permitted either.
-
These investigations will help shape the design of the cemetery expansion which we plan to share in late 2023.
October 2023
- An access track following the likely path of the future cemetery roadways was cleared to support surveying and geotechnical investigations. The track is not for public use; it is gated to restrict access to the development site and keep the public safe.
- Geotechnical investigations are now complete.
- Through the enabling works, site investigations, and surveying completed during 2023 we have learned that the topography and ecology on site differs to that previously understood.
- We are now undertaking design options analysis to inform decision making.
- We anticipate sharing the developed design with the community in 2024.
March 2024
Site investigations and surveying completed in 2023 have revealed that the topography and ecology on site differed to that previously understood. Consequently, some adjustments to the 2017 CDP were necessary to respond to environmental constraints onsite. Notable changes include re-routing the road and reducing some interment areas to respond to environmental constraint within the development site.
In December 2023 both Councils approved the changes. The 2023 concept development plan, illustrated on the map below, outlines areas now identified for potential interment and it shows the two phases of development.
Additional enabling works, surveying and site investigations are required due to the alternate road layout proposed, these will get underway in the first half of 2024. Once they are complete, we’ll be ready to begin the more in-depth design process and we will work with key groups on the expansion plan.
The project also gives us the opportunity to consider emerging burial trends and cultural requirements, and to enhance the open space and cemetery services.
We plan to share the proposed design with the Hutt Valley community later in 2024 and consider ideas on future burial options and cemetery features that we could investigate further as part of the development and future operations.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at Akatārawacemeteryproject@uhcc.govt.nz.
2023 CDP
Phase one includes stages 1 and 2 (developing now)
Phase two includes stage 3 (development start date to be confirmed)
November 2024
The Akatārawa Cemetery expansion project is progressing to the detailed design phase.
Several important updates and adjustments have been made to ensure the development meets the community’s future needs, while minimising environmental impact.
Topography and Ecology Adjustments: Recent site investigations and surveys showed differences in the site's topography and ecology to what was found in the 2017 development plan. Adjustments to the plan are being made to better align with these findings.
Access Road Rerouted: An existing access road was discovered during the investigation, leading to a rerouting of the access road in the expansion area. This change will help reduce the environmental impact of the project.
Reduced Development Area: Due to new insights into the site's topography and ecology, some areas of the development have been reduced.
Next Steps: The project is now moving into the detailed design phase, resource consent will be lodged late November 2024.
Akatārawa Cemetery currently provides burial and ashes interment services to Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt.
Based on current burial and ashes interment rates, we estimate there is only enough burial space for the next 5-7 years.
The expansion will provide an additional 42 years of capacity for burials and will also allow us to consider emerging trends, such as natural burials, and accommodate cultural and community needs.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the project, please feel free to get in touch:
Email: akatarawacemeteryproject@uhcc.govt.nz
Location
Akatārawa Cemetery, Akatarawa 5372 View Map
-41.008219,175.1239546
Akatārawa Cemetery ,
Akatarawa 5372
Akatārawa Cemetery ,
Akatarawa 5372
Akatārawa Cemetery Development