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Wednesday 19 July 2023
St Arnaud ordeal
Playoff heartbreak Page 4
Page 28
PAGES 18-20
Death costs a ‘postcode lottery’ MAX FRETHEY
Local Democracy Reporter
If you die and are buried at home in Nelson, it will cost you nearly 62 per cent more than if Tasman is your final resting place. The price of burial in Tasman is
$2650, compared with Nelson, which has increased by 20 per cent in the past year to $4283 – almost 62 per cent more. Both costs are inclusive of the price of the burial plot and the price of interment for the 2023/24 financial year, as well as
the ongoing maintenance of the cemeteries. Gillian Boyes, chief executive of the Funeral Directors Association, says that the latest cost of living increases to council cemetery prices are adding to the financial burden being felt by many and
has created a “a postcode lottery on death” around the country. “Burial and cremation costs are one of the biggest elements of a funeral bill so when those jump each year funerals suddenly seem a lot more expensive.” She adds that high prices can take
burial off the table as an option for low-income families. “Yet we know for many of our families, burial is a preferred option for cultural or religious reasons.”
SEE PAGE 2
NZ’s oldest porcupine GORDON PREECE A ground-dwelling quilled resident at Natureland Wildlife Trust dug into a special baked treat and a fruit and vegetable mountain to mark becoming the oldest porcupine in Aotearoa. Diallo the cape porcupine celebrated his 20th birthday on Saturday with parkgoers, staff and his spiky friend, Akoko, who turns 16 in the coming months. Animal care team leader, Jos Kater, says the occasion was “quite a milestone”. “We’re very happy he’s been living so long because porcupines, and especially cape porcupines which come from the southern parts of Africa, generally live up to 22 years-old,” he says. “Every day we check on his general behaviour and for any signs of illness and he seems to be all good… we’ll make sure he has a good life for the rest of his years. I’m happy that people came in to celebrate his special day being the oldest porcupine in New Zealand.” Jos says Diallo was born in England in 2003 before transferring to New Zealand in 2006. He has called Natureland home since 2015.
Diallo the cape porcupine celebrated his 20th birthday over the weekend. Photo: Supplied.
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