Friends of Cromwell Cemetery held its first meeting in September 2024 with an aim to ensure the cemetery was restored to a well-maintained and cared-for state to honour and respect those who have died.
Friends member Linda Gordon said the main problem facing the cemetery was the rabbits, whose burrowing had caused some of the graves to cave in.
The damage caused by rabbits had also proven to be a health and safety issue, with the loose ground and holes creating trip hazards for visitors.
One of the Friends’ main goals was to install rabbit-proof fencing around the three boundaries surrounding the cemetery.
Friends member Beverly Fraser said it was hard to do other work on the cemetery until the fences were installed.
Another issue was the fact the cemetery was surrounded by industrial buildings.
Ms Gordon said because of the buildings and the lack of trees, the cemetery was not an inviting place or a nice setting for loved ones’ graves.
Friends member Katie Seymour said once the rabbit-proof fence was built, an irrigation drip line would be installed around the boundary and work would be done to plant trees, creating a more secluded area.
The cemetery also held historical importance.
Chinese gold miners were buried there, as well as other miners in unmarked graves, with a stone and a plaque dedicated to them.
The Otago Heritage Goldfields Trust had funded ground radar to analyse underneath the cemetery.
The Friends hoped scanning would begin next month, Ms Gordon said.
