Monuments and headstones

Monumental masons

Monumental masons guide customers through their monument selection.

They help with decisions around monument style (ranging from plaques and columbarium walls right up to full headstones and monuments), material, lettering, photos and layout.

Documentation you need to apply for a permit

Before a permit application can be submitted, the cemetery will need proof of who is the burial rights holder, or the person who has the legal right to install a headstone.

You can provide this proof by providing the plot purchase receipt, or by filling out a form to purchase or transfer the exclusive right of burial.

If the person who has died is the burial rights holder, then a family member can complete a burial rights holder statutory declaration form, which needs to be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, or solicitor.

If the burial rights holder is absent (for example, overseas), an authority to act on behalf form needs to be submitted.

Monumental design and dimension requirements

Each cemetery has specific monumental design and dimension requirements.

The monumental mason will be aware of the specific cemetery requirements.

Cemetery staff will also provide guidance about the types of monuments allowed, when you purchase a plot.

Who can install monuments and headstones?

Monuments can only be installed within Auckland Cemeteries by approved monumental installers.

View a list of approved monument installers.

Monument unveilings

To hold an unveiling of your monument, contact the cemetery office to arrange a time.

Staff will need a date, time, plot location, contact details and approximately how many people will attend.

There is no charge for booking an unveiling ceremony.

Monument maintenance

Once the monument has been installed, the burial rights holder or their assignee will be responsible for keeping the plot and monument in good repair.

Decorations

Confine all flowers and adornments to approved receptacles, and keep them on the concrete beam. They cannot encroach onto neighbouring plots.

We will remove any adornments that prevent cemetery maintenance or do not comply with cemetery guidelines. 

Monument conservation in Symonds Street Cemetery

The Symonds Street Cemetery is a significant heritage site, so anyone wishing to do conservation work on any of the monuments needs our permission.

We have prepared a guide to repairing and conserving the monuments, which includes the forms to apply for permission.

Get a copy of the guide

​Let us know if your details change

Cemetery records need to be kept current, so it is important that the burial rights holder for the plot or their assignee update the cemetery office if their details change.

View a list of cemetery locations.