The core concept
Everything about our natural burial cemeteries is as ‘natural’ as possible. We will not introduce anything that would interfere with or pollute environmental processes.
Our principles are: that the coffin breaks down quickly, allowing soil to reach the body soon after burial, that construction materials are locally sourced and naturally occurring, minimising their environmental impact in their manufacture and introduction to the soil.
Coffins should meet all conditions detailed below. Download the open standard here. We issue formal certification for individual coffins after reviewing descriptions of their components and corroborating evidence.
• Certified coffin suppliers are listed on this website and in our information packs.
• Certified coffins can use the words “Meets the coffin standard of Natural Burials New Zealand”
• We do not charge a fee for certification. We cover these costs in our registration burial fee which is charged on all natural cemetery burials.
Compliance conditions
| Natural materials, to encourage simple product cycles Caskets must be made of New Zealand sustainably grown organic materials, with no preserving treatment. Soft woods, flax and wicker are encouraged. No imported woods are allowed Hard woods sustainably grown or recycled in New Zealand are permitted but discouraged due to long decomposition. Caskets made of these materials will not be certified by us, but can be used in cemeteries certified by us. Shrouds must by made of naturally grown materials like cotton and cool. No synthetic materials or colourings or treatment. |
| No composites, to lower energy use Caskets cannot be made of composites like ply and MDF, but a single piece of composite material is permitted in low impact cardboard caskets and shroud bearers. Shrouds cannot be combination of synthetics and natural materials. |
| No toxic bindings, such as glues or plastic jointing or stitching. Wood glue like PVA is acceptable. |
| No oil-based paints or artificial stains or colours |
| Only natural materials for handles, fixings and fillings. Only biodegradable cloths, fillings, straps. Exception is metal screws and nails. |