Discover the history of New Zealand’s largest cemetery. Event Link 

“The free event will offer the public a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes to find out how a cemetery works with a variety of walks, talks and demonstrations.”

Waikumete Cemetery opened in 1886 and covers 108 hectares.

“Learn about interesting grave sites, the cemetery’s ecology, the influenza epidemic, the iconography of headstones, the stories of people buried there and much more

Go behind the scenes to find out how a cemetery works. See a grave-digging demonstration or tour the crematorium. You can also learn about natural burials, how to clean a grave or the burial practices of different cultures” including Dalmatian masuleums at 12.30.

If you have a relative buried here you can get help to find the grave. Before you come, find the search engine using the phrase ‘west burial and cremation records’ at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, search the database, and then print out the resulting record and bring it along to the open day. ….

“Auckland Museum will have portable digitisation kiosks on site allowing you to search the Online Cenotaph, lay a virtual poppy against a person’s name and contribute to the database. You will also be able to digitise your family’s war-related items, so bring along medals, diaries, letters and more to be uploaded to the relevant service person’s record for future generations to remember.”

There will also be food stalls, music and much more.

The event is being organised through a partnership between Waitākere Ranges Local Board, Friends of Waikumete, the Urupā Committee of the cemetery’s Māori burial ground, West Auckland RSAs, Auckland Councilcemeteries team and Ancestry.

Transport

The cemetery will be closed to private cars on the day to ensure people’s safety. To get to the open day, take the train to Glen Eden. Or bring your bike. Parking will be available at Glen Eden Primary School or on side streets. A free shuttle bus service will operate within the cemetery on the day to help people get around.

Check the link for timed events including: grave digging, traditional grave demonstration (shoring,lowering device sticks and straps), brave and notorious s guided walk, pioneers and despots guided walk , Jewish Burials, natural burials, military division guided walk,  and at • 12.30pm-12.45pm, learn about the Dalmatian mausoleums by Noeline Erceg, Dalmatian mausoleums

• No registration is required for activities – just turn up.
• Please note that activities and times are subject to change.
• When visiting the cemetery, please be respectful of the graves.
• Dogs are welcome at the cemetery provided they are on a lead and under control.

 

Information from the Waikumete Cemetery Event facebook page. This looks like a really interesting event. Be sure to check out full details here.