As cremation becomes more common across Aotearoa, Māori leaders are urging greater awareness of tikanga when it comes to scattering ashes.
Kahurangi Rangimarie Glavish says death remains sacred in all its forms — whether through burial, mourning or cremation.
“Mo tātou ahakoa nehu, ahakoa tangi, ahakoa punarehu atu, he tapu te katoa,” she says.
Glavish says concerns arise when ashes are scattered in waterways and places connected to food sources for Māori communities.
“Nā runga i tēna kia whakaae tangata whenua kia tukuna atu ā rātou punarehu ki roto i ō tātou awa? Te wāhi e kau ana ō tātou tuna… te wāhi e tupu ana a tātou watakerehi,” she says.
The practice of scattering ashes has become more visible in recent years, with more families choosing cremation.
Funeral director Michael Powell says many families are unaware there can be expectations around where ashes are placed.
“If you’re going to inter or bury ashes on private property then you seek the permission of the property owner,” he says.
“But when it comes to public spaces like beaches, parks and reserves, councils often have guidelines around what can happen there.”
Powell says families often approach funeral directors for advice before making those decisions.
“It’s always better to ask permission rather than assume you have the right.”
Glavish says the issue ultimately comes down to protecting cultural values and the natural environment.
“The world may be changing,” she says.
“But we must hold fast to the tikanga that have been handed down to us.”