Services Cemeteries

Services cemeteries were set up during the First World War by the families and communities of the fallen service personnel.

Communities initially created and cared for them, in a similar manner to the care of urupā, where graves are tended by iwi and hapū Services cemeteries were formally established by the Department of Internal Affairs and the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association. It is a collaborative arrangement, with these organisations, as well as communities and local government, all involved in their management and care.

Veterans’ Affairs also provides some funding to local authorities for the maintenance of these cemeteries. There are 183 services cemeteries in New Zealand.

Eligibility for interment in a services cemetery is detailed in the Burial and Cremation Act 1964. Under that Act those who had “specified operational service in His Majesty’s Forces” are eligible for burial in a services cemetery. Permission for all burials in services cemeteries are decided by cemetery managers.

Veterans’ Affairs will cover the cost of official standard plaques or headstones for veterans eligible to be buried in services cemeteries. Our contractor, Bronze Plaques NZ, manufactures and installs plaques and headstones. Once the plaque or headstone is in place, it becomes the property of the family.

For more information, visit:www.va.mil.nz/cemeteries-and-memorials