Urupā and Private Cemetery Fund

The Urupā and Private Cemetery Fund operates once per year with applications open 15 May - 30 June.

$1,000 is initially tagged for private cemeteries, with any unallocated funding transferred to urupā applications.

Total funding available is determined through Council’s Annual Plan and Long Term Plan processes.

Applications must be submitted through Council’s online portal.

To be eligible:

• Only existing urupā or private cemeteries located within the Manawatū rating district are eligible (new or proposed sites are not eligible).
• Applications must be made by:
  • the recognised kaitiaki or managing group of an urupā, or
  • the trustees or authorised caretakers of a private cemetery.

Funding may be used for maintenance activities, including:

• Fencing repair or replacement.
• Restoration of headstones.
• Installation or repair of beams.
• Mowing, weeding, vegetation control.
• Gravelling or maintenance of tracks and paths.
• Recording or registration of urupā or private cemetery sites.
• Other reasonable maintenance activities of similar nature.

The fund cannot support:

• Capital development of new or existing urupā (e.g., new roads, major levelling, significant redevelopment).
• Any activities that would be more appropriately considered through the Long-Term Plan or Annual Plan process.
• Retrospective costs (work already completed).

All applications will be considered at the same time to adequately divide the available fund in the round.

Urupā applications will be assessed annually by Te Kōtui Reo Taumata, who hold delegated authority to allocate funding within budget.

Private cemetery applications will be assessed annually as per Council’s Delegation Manual.

They will consider:

• Number of applications vs total available fund.
• Alignment with the fund’s purpose - the extent to which the work supports caretaking, cultural responsibilities, or preservation of heritage.
• Whether the work is essential to preserving the condition, safety, or accessibility of the site.
• Priority may be given to sites with immediate maintenance needs.
• Performance against accountability measures for pervious successful applicants.

Recipients must:

• Use the funding solely for the approved work with receipts submitted as proof of purchase.
• Provide a brief accountability summary at the end of the year, confirming the extent of work undertaken.