Natural burial may soon be an option in Dunedin.
The Dunedin City Council's community development committee will today consider a report on a proposed natural burial site in Waldronville, within the existing Green Park Cemetery.
In natural burials, bodies are not embalmed. They are placed in untreated and biodegradable caskets within composted soil, on top of which native trees are planted.
The method has been advocated as a way to bury people without using chemicals and polluting the environment.
Earlier this year the council called for submissions on a proposal to establish a natural burial site and associated natural burial protocols.
The 24 submissions received all supported the option of natural burial, although some suggested changes to the protocols.
Today the council's committee will decide whether to adopt amended protocols and allow for natural burial at Green Park Cemetery, as recommended by council staff.
If approved, natural burial will cost the same as traditional burial, and costs will be reviewed after at least 10 natural burials or one year.
