Auckland Council recently revealed plans to change its bylaws relating Council-owned cemeteries and crematoria.
The Council argued that health and safety of workers and visitors were factors that influenced the need to change the bylaws.
The move, coming into effect on November 1, 2014, will have significant impact on the Indian community. It would prevent people from scattering the ashes of their deceased relatives in public places including beaches and reserves unless they obtain written prior approval from the Council or Wahi Tapu Maori Kimiti (a Maori Committee that oversees sacred areas). Even grieving families must comply with the new procedures and apply for permission with applicable fees.
Sensitive issue
The issue is culturally and religiously sensitive for the Indian community with far-reaching consequences for its future generations. Scattering is an important part of the grieving process and for many it is saying ‘goodbye’ to their loved ones.
The manner in which the Council has tried to enforce the new bylaws is undemocratic. There has neither been consultation nor proper notice given. It showed its bureaucratic ignorance to rush enforcement of the bylaws by offering an insufficient time for submissions before the public hearing of the submissions on June 16, 2014.
Grieving families would already be under stress and hence need comfort and compassion. Bureaucratic procedures, red tape and additional expenses at such tragic times are heartless, unwarranted and unnecessary.
Prickly issues
The new code would allow only two members of the family to standby as the casket enters the furnace. As per the Hindus custom, which is more than 5000 years old, several members of the bereaved families including close relatives and friends would stand along as the dead body is brought to the cremation grounds. Auckland Council should understand and respect the culture, and allow people to continue their tradition.
The Council has not explained properly as to which of these restrictions are necessary. There are no health issues because cremations take place at very high temperatures (800 degrees) and families always conduct the scattering of ashes with care and consideration.
Auckland Council currently oversees 30 operational cemeteries spread between Rodney and Franklin, with the big three at Waikumete, North Shore Memorial Park and Manukau Memorial Gardens. It appears that the Council has turned people’s bereavement into a moneymaking business.
Before dealing with sensitive matters that affect diverse communities, the Council should engage in appropriate consultation process with religious and cultural groups, learn and understand the tradition and human rights before attempting ti impose restrictions
West Auckland murder
Speaking about the funerals, hundreds of us from the community attended the funeral of Arun Kumar, who was brutally killed by a 13-year-old youth in his diary in Henderson. Everyone gathered was still in a state of shock at this senseless killing (a detailed report appears on Page One of this issue).
Earlier, I visited the grieving family to convey condolences on behalf of my family and the community. It was shocking to learn that it took almost 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive at the scene of the crime where Mr Kumar was in a pool of blood.
We must ensure the safety and security of our community, small businesses and retailers.
I also visited the retailers and businesses in Henderson with Labour MPs and learnt of the concerns of the community.
Sunny Kaushal is an active member of the Labour Party and is hopeful of being appropriately ranked in the Party’s List for the general election due to be held on September 20, 2014. Read related story in this section.
