Omaka Cemetery Officially Open Again For Burials

Interments at Marlborough’s historic Omaka Cemetery may begin again later this year, 35 years since the last person was buried there.

The Marlborough District Council decided earlier this year to investigate the possibility of making more use of the old cemetery and last Friday the decision to re-open it was formally gazetted.

There is still some work to be completed before interments can begin but local funeral directors have been advised that the cemetery has re-opened, says Council Reserves and Amenities officer Nic Crous.

“Unfortunately records relating to part of the cemetery were lost or destroyed many years ago so, while there is thought to be immediate space for about 100 plots, more investigative work will be needed before it’s clear exactly how many new plots can be accommodated,” says Mr Crous.

In some cases, families will be able to use existing family plots.

The schedule of burial fees has yet to be finalised.

Unused open space will also be assessed for its suitability for plots and paths.

“We also want to look at the possibility of creating walkway access through to the Taylor River banks to the west,” he said

The Marlborough District Council is also drafting a development plan for the cemetery, recognising its historical dimension.

It will be important to preserve the character and nature of the cemetery, says Mr Crous.

The family mausoleums and wrought ironwork within Omaka date back to the settlement of Blenheim and some of the notable figures from Marlborough’s past are buried there.

The cemetery is divided into various sections including a paupers’ section, a separate Catholic burial area, an RSA section and a children’s burial area.