Although there has been provision for natural burial at Waikumete Cemetery in Auckland for a number of years there has been little uptake. New Zealands first dedicated natural burial ground opened near Wellington in March 2008 and it looks set to influence burials throughout the country. The location can be found here. It is a joint venture between Wellington City Council and a not-for-profit organisation called Natural Burials. This is leading the way in terms of natural burials in New Zealand and there are now prospects of similar facilities in Nelson, Kapiti and Auckland. It follows the principals of the natural burial movement in the UK which now boasts almost 200 burial grounds. The idea is to return the body to the earth as quickly and as naturally as possible. This is achieved by avoiding pollutants and burying the body in the more active top layer of soil. Trees are then planted on each grave with the intention of regenerating natural forest to crate a bush park commemorating those who are buried there. It is not just about the theoretical purity of the environment - the natural look and feel of the regenerated forest is, for many people, a more fitting resting place than a grass cemetery with headstones. We are supporting this initiative by donating $50 to the not-for-profit Natural Burials every time one of our caskets is used there.