Opinions sought on further cemetery beautification

January 23rd, 2013

Residents are being asked to give Tasman District Council feedback on concepts that have been published by Council for further aesthetic developments and beautification at Motueka Cemetery.

A new road providing public access from Old Wharf Road to the Motueka Cemetery is to be constructed in accordance with the scheme plan of subdivision for the Puketutu Subdivision.

The new road is Memorial Drive, and the first section of it forms the entrance to stage one of the subdivision, sections of which are on the market. Eventually this road will end up at the entrance to the cemetery.

Much of the existing vegetation along the current Cemetery driveway, which starts west of Memorial Drive, will be lost as the subdivision develops further, and this creates an opportunity to transplant some of the established plant species into the main cemetery area.

As part of its consent, the Puketutu subdivision development is required to relocate some of the rhododendrons into the new cemetery entranceway at the end of Memorial Drive during stage three of their development.

Six opportunities for development have been identified by Council, three of which use plants from the old cemetery driveway shrubberies. These opportunities are:

Establish five new evergreen tree species between the chip seal driveway and gravel parking area. These plantings replace the cherry trees lost from the driveway relocation and soften the open space of the carpark.

The trees would be protected by a circular concrete curb. The tree planters could also be underplanted with ground cover species. The tree species are to be decided.
Rhododendrons are available for relocation into the cemetery from the old driveway. The established trees along the western side of the cemetery provide an ideal location and conditions for underplanting with rhododendrons.
In recent years three cemetery gateways have been built using farm-style gates in a style which does not match the original gates and posts. Replace three gateways to match originals.
Twenty four upright cypress trees will be lost along the old driveway. Establish four new cypress in the central cemetery behind the original concrete fence and gates. This will provide some much needed height without bulk to the centre of the cemetery.
Chipseal gravel parking areas as previously identified. Money has been allocated for this project.
Plant replacement trees between the ageing wattles on the southern side of the cemetery. Holm oaks are evergreen and suitable for a dry coastal site. Room also exists for new tree plantings along the eastern boundary, and this area would be more suited to evergreen oaks.

Consultation is being undertaken between Puketutu subdivision, Keep Motueka Beautiful, Motueka RSA and Motueka Community Board to finalise landscaping details for the new Cemetery entrance from Memorial Drive. Council wants any other interested people to submit their ideas.

To view the development document with plans and photos, and to fill out an online submission form, visit the Council's website here. Submissions are accepted until 4.00pm, Thursday February 28.

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