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Cemeteries

About our cemeteries

Stratford district has seven cemeteries, two of which are open to new burials. Stratford District Council are the guardians/kaitiaki of our cemeteries. We’re here to help you select plots and arrange and book full burials and the interment of ashes.

It’s our responsibility to look after the cemeteries and maintain the grounds. Council also holds records for all seven cemeteries, spanning over 100 years, and most of these records are available here online.

Access and mobility

  • Pedestrians can access the cemeteries at any time throughout the year.
  • Vehicle access is available for Kopuatama Cemetery. Please arrange to get the key from our Service Centre.
  • If you have mobility considerations you’d like to discuss before visiting, please get in touch.

Download our Stratford District Cemeteries booklet for information about:

  • Our open and closed cemeteries
  • Arranging a burial plot or interment
  • Fees and charges
  • Over 140 years of Taranaki history available through our cemeteries
Cemeteries Booklet >

Application forms

Kopuatama Cemetery photo

Kopuatama Cemetery

Open Cemeteries

Kopuatama Cemetery

4.0 kilometres east of Stratford located on State Highway 43

Mobility card holders can request a gate key from the Stratford District Council Service Centre, if they require vehicle access to this cemetery.

This cemetery is the current operating cemetery for the Stratford District with the first burial recorded in July 1906. It became a lawn cemetery in the 1950s.

Wall of Remembrance

This provides families and individuals with a place to visit and remember loved ones who have passed away, but may not be buried in the cemetery. Plaque spaces are available through Council’s Service Centre, along with details of the plaque’s specifications. Plaques will be created by Council-appointed Monumental Masons.

View a map of the cemetery

Kopuatama Cemetery - Returned Services

Returned Services Area

There are two Services areas in Kopuatama Cemetery. The original Soldiers' Block is just inside the main gate, and is no longer available for interments. The new Returned Services area is located at the far end of the cemetery, in a direct line from the main gate. It is available to those who have returned from active service. These areas are administered on behalf of the Office of Veterans' Affairs.

For information on rules and eligibility, contact your local Returned Services Association (RSA).

Photo of Midhirst cemetery

Midhirst Cemetery

Midhirst Cemetery

Beaconsfield Road, Midhirst – 5km north of Stratford

This cemetery is the current operating cemetery for the Midhirst District, the first burial being in September 1934. It is located next to the Old Midhirst Cemetery which is closed.

Closed Cemeteries

Midhirst Old Cemetery

Beaconsfield Road, 5km north of Stratford

For some years, from 1880, Midhirst provided the only cemetery in the district.

The first confirmed burial was in December 1882, and the last was in November 1956. The cemetery was officially closed in 1995.


Photo of Pioneer Cemetery

Pioneer Cemetery

Pioneer Cemetery

Regan Street West, Stratford
This was Stratford's first cemetery, and was opened in 1886.

The last recorded burial was in July 1910. On closing it was turned into a Pioneer Memorial.


Tahora Cemetery

80km northeast of Stratford

The earliest recorded burial was in October 1924 with the last being January 1937.

This cemetery was officially closed in 1996.

Photo of Waipuku Cemetery

Waipuku Cemetery

Waipuku Cemetery

State Highway 3 – 9.7kms north of Stratford

Please note: There is currently no access to this cemetery.

The first recorded burial was in May 1898 and the last was in September 1924.

Following a generous donation from a direct descendant of Richard and Isabella Raynor a memorial headstone has been erected at the Pioneer Cemetery on Regan Street, Stratford, listing the names of those interred at the Waipuku Cemetery.

Photo of Whangamomona Memorial Cemetery

Whangamomona Memorial Cemetery

Whangamomona Cemetery

63km east of Stratford

Land at the back of the domain was set aside for a cemetery and trustees were chosen.

The first known interment was in September 1900 and the last interment was in January 2004, although the cemetery was officially closed in 1997.

FAQs

The Sexton looks after the gravedigging and burials, assists during funerals, is responsible for grave backfilling and placing tributes. Sexton duties are carried out through the Open Space Maintenance Contract with Stratford District Council. We will work with the Sexton on your behalf.

Yes, ashes can be interred in a full burial plot. If the burial plot has been pre-purchased and a full burial has not taken place, the ashes can be placed under the berm.

In an ashes-only plot, you can bury up to three standard sized urns. In a full burial plot, you may be able to bury up to five, but this is dependent on the plot and the size of the urns, and you will need approval.

Please talk with us so we can go through all the details with you and work out if and how it can take place.

Yes, you can fill the plot once the sexton has completed the preparation of the grave. The Sexton will then complete the top layer and place the sods of grass after the interment.

Yes, if there is space and you have the written permission of the family member’s nearest relatives.

No, this is organised by a Monumental Mason. They make an application to Council for a permit to carry out the installation. This is at the family’s cost and is payable to the stone mason. We do not charge for this.

Yes, if the two plots are owned by the same family. Approval will be needed through the permit process, from your stone mason to council.

Yes, but all reservations must be fully paid within three months of the reservation being approved.

Yes, however if it is a memorial only, we will not hold any records of the deceased, without an application of internment.

Council is responsible for the maintenance of the grounds, and the memorials are the responsibility of the families of the deceased.

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