As is the case with many other local authorities around the country, the Wellington council’s cemeteries are running out of room. In fact, Karori Cemetery has run out of room and Makara Cemetery is predicted to be full by 2038. One proposed solution is a rent-a-grave scheme, where the deceased can be buried for a Read more
The graves of 18 Cook Islands World War I ANZACs have been restored and protected from the encroaching sea in Rarotonga. A group of volunteers, including the descendants of the veterans, have spruced up their grave sites by concreting and painting them. They also repaired the headstones, as part of the Nikao Cemetery Restoration Project. Read more
The churches in Papua New Guinea are divided over the issue of whether or not to accord dead loved ones a burial or cremation. Father Victor Roche from the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG and the Solomon Islands said although they prefer burial, the church also accepts cremation. But pastor Peter Dege from the True Read more
A Californian diocese has been commended for wines produced from grapes grown within the grounds of three of its cemeteries. Instead of spending some $50,000 per acre to plant weed-free, irrigated turf, Robert Seelig, executive director of cemeteries for the diocese of Oakland and Tom Richardson, director of development, decided to plant some grape vines Read more
Christians in Jerusalem have staged an impromptu demonstration to protest against the desecration of churches in Israel by groups of extremist Jewish settlers. “It was a spontaneous demonstration to denounce the repeated attacks against holy places carried out by an irresponsible minority, that threatens the peaceful coexistence among peoples,” said Bishop William Shomali, vicar of Read more