(March 2026 Update) Regarding Plaques and Family Collection Options As previously communicated, the memorial plaques formerly located on the front lawn at 35 Box Hill were carefully removed, documented, cleaned, and placed into secure storage in anticipation of potential building access and repair work. (see below glossary of terms clarifying what has historically taken place, specifically the legal and liturgical ‘scattering/disposal’ of ashes, which is the context here.)
The current members of Vestry are due to complete their elected term in April. While they continue to exercise their responsibilities diligently, they cannot guarantee their personal availability beyond that time, nor can they predict the long-term future configuration or use of parish land.Although under no legal obligation to do so, Vestry wishes — as a matter of courtesy and pastoral care — to offer families the opportunity to collect memorial plaques and, if desired, a soil sample from the specific location where ashes were originally placed.
To date: Most next-of-kin have indicated they are satisfied that their family member’s wishes were fulfilled at the time of cremation, and therefore are happy. Some families have chosen to collect the memorial plaque. Some have collected both the plaque and a soil sample from the precise location. If you are aware of any family members or descendants who may wish to make arrangements for collection, please encourage them to email:[email protected] There is no urgency being imposed; this is simply an invitation extended in goodwill and transparency.Grace and peace, Onslow Anglicans Vestry (March 3rd, 2026) ………………………………………………………… Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms Appendix 2: Ecclesiological Understanding ……………………………………………………… Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms(Civil, Local Government, and Anglican Usage)
Cemetery Civil (New Zealand): Under the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 (NZ), a cemetery is land formally set apart, registered, and administered for the burial of human remains. Cemeteries are usually managed by local authorities, religious bodies, or trustees, and are subject to statutory regulation.Land does not become a legal cemetery simply because ashes are buried there. Formal designation and registration are required.
Grave Civil: A grave is a specifically identified registered plot of land within a cemetery used for the burial of a body. It is normally recorded in cemetery records and subject to rights of burial rather than outright ownership.
Corpse Civil: A corpse is the physical body of a deceased person prior to burial or cremation. It is subject to public health and burial legislation. This term does not apply to cremated ashes.
Human Remains Civil: This refers to the physical remains of a deceased person, their burial does not automatically convert private land into a cemetery.
Commendation Church (Anglican Prayer Book – Aotearoa NZ): The prayer in which the deceased is commended to God’s mercy. Occurs near the time of death or within the funeral liturgy. It is spiritual, not legal.
Committal Church: The act within a funeral service in which the body or ashes are committed to the earth, or another resting place, “earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”This is a liturgical act of entrusting the deceased’s body or ashes to God. It does not determine land ownership or civil status of the site.
Ashes (Cremated / Cremains) Civil: Ashes are the calcified bone fragments remaining after cremation. They may be: Buried, Scattered, or Retained by family, Placed in a niche or urn vault at a cemetery or columbarium subject to landowner permission and local regulation.
Columbarium Civil: A columbarium is a structure with niches designed specifically to hold urns containing cremated ashes. It must be able to easily relocate urns when the columbarium requires maintenance, is removed, or the site changes ownership. If it is part of a cemetery, it is regulated under cemetery law.A site does not become a columbarium unless formally constructed and designated as such. Church: Some people mistakenly use the term ‘columbaria’ within church grounds. Regardless of whatever phrases used a columbarium must still comply with civil requirements.
Interment Civil: The burial of a body in the ground or placement of ashes in an elevated niche easily retrievable. Interment on private land is possible with landowner permission, but does not automatically create a registered cemetery.
SCATTERING (~ same as 'Disposal' below, this is the context here at 35 Box Hill) Civil: The dispersal of cremated ashes: over land, or buried beneath ground (whether in a sealed box, poured, or sprinkled). Generally permitted with the permission of the landowner or relevant authority. + Wellington City Council uses the legal terms ‘scattering’ and ‘disposal.’ + The Anglican Prayer Book uses the liturgical term ‘disposal’. Both terms are synonymous. https://wellington.govt.nz/cemeteries/burials-cremations-and-memorials/cremations/ashes Church: Often accompanied by prayers of committal. Scattering/disposal does not mean that a cemetery nor columbaria has been created.
DISPOSAL (~ same as 'Scattering' above, this is the context here at 35 Box Hill) Civil: A legal term referring to the scattering (sprinkling, pouring, or burial) of ashes by lawful means. It does not imply disrespect. It is administrative language. Once scattering / disposal happens the items are irretrievable, and the process is irreversible. Church: The “... disposal of the ashes…” is“... a final letting-go ..” within The Committal of Ashesservice. https://anglicanprayerbook.nz/877.html References: * ‘A New Zealand Prayer Book’, p877; * 'Earthed in Hope: Dying, Death and Funerals – A Pakeha Anglican Perspective,' by Alister Hendery, p45, 76, 271, 275.]
Desecration Civil: Desecration involves unlawful damage, disturbance, or violation of a human corpse. This is a theological and emotional term, not automatically a legal one. Removal of memorial plaques or soil does not constitute desecration.
In-Perpetuity Civil: Literally means “forever.” In cemetery law, this often refers to a right of burial of a body that does not expire. However, in practice, perpetual rights are still subject to legislation, land law, and public authority regulation. The word does not override statutory authority or land ownership.
Memorial Plaque A commemorative marker bearing a name or inscription. A plaque is not legally equivalent to a grave. Its presence or removal does not alter the status of the disposed ashes beneath the soil.
Private Property Land owned by an individual, trust, or corporate body (in this case, diocesan ownership). Use of private land is governed by property law and local authority regulation. Burial activity does not automatically convert private land into public cemetery land. --------------------------------------------------------------
Concluding Clarification The burial of cremated ashes on private church property does not, in itself, legally establish: * A cemetery * A crematorium * A columbarium * A perpetual public burial ground Such status requires formal designation and compliance with statutory processes.At the same time, church vestries recognise the deep spiritual and emotional significance families attach to places and seeks to act pastorally, respectfully, and lawfully at all times. https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifestyle/the-modern-conundrum-of-scattering-human-ashes …………….
Appendix 2: Ecclesiological Understanding Under New Zealand law, there are no regulations regarding the recording or placement of cremated remains once cremation has occurred. Anglican liturgy uses the phrase ‘the disposal of ashes’. While local councils may have restrictions on scattering ashes in certain areas, such as the Hutt River, there are no legal requirements that apply to church lawns.
From a theological perspective, the phrase "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" is widely associated with Christian burial traditions. It originates from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and reflects biblical passages such as Genesis 3:19 and Ecclesiastes 3:20.
The purpose of funeral rites is both spiritual (commendation) and physical (committal): Commendation entrusts the deceased into God’s care with blessing. Committal is the final physical farewell, whether through burial or cremation. ~
It is worth remembering what the apostle Paul says. When believers die, they are with Christ (Phil. 1:23), fallen asleep in the Messiah, and belong to the Messiah (1 Cor 15:18, 23). What should happen to their dead bodies is never discussed by Paul, but his primary Gospel certainty is that Jesus’ physical resurrection guarantees that when He returns as king every believer who died will be given a new body not completely unlike the one they had before. [see, Bishop N.T. Wright, “1 Corinthians”]
Apostle Paul had a clear and consistent view on resurrection and what happens to believers after they die. His teachings are primarily found in 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, and Philippians 1:21-23. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Resurrection of the Dead (1 Corinthians 15) Paul argues that Christ’s resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope. Believers who have died will also be resurrected, just as Jesus was. Resurrected bodies will be imperishable, glorious, and spiritual (15:42-44). Death is not the end but a transformation into an eternal state with God.
2. What Happens Immediately After Death? Paul says, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain." He expresses a desire to depart and be with Christ, which he considers far better. Philippians 1:21-23 After death, believers are in conscious fellowship with Christ. However, they still await the final resurrection when they will receive glorified bodies.
3. The Second Coming and the Resurrection of Believers (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) When Christ returns, the dead in Christ will rise first, then, those believers who are alive will be caught up (raptured) to meet the Lord in the air. Paul encourages believers not to grieve like those who have no hope because resurrection is guaranteed. 4. The Nature of the Resurrection Body (1 Corinthians 15:50-55) Believers will receive transformed, incorruptible bodies. Death will be finally defeated. Summary: When believers die, they are with Christ. At Christ’s return they will be resurrected with new, glorified bodies. Those alive at His coming will be transformed instantly. Ultimately, believers will live eternally with Jesus on Earth in a perfected state.