A cemetery plan for future burials in Naseby had to be amended after an archaeologist report found pre-1900 features within the existing site that needed protection.

A report to the Maniototo Community Board last week from Central Otago District Council parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey highlighted a reservoir and tunnel outlet through the south wall - an exact match with ’Lory & Co’s Dam’ shown in an 1877 plan.

The dam fed ‘Newmarch’s water race’, which runs down the cemetery ridge on the west side of the section, curves to the east and skirts around the reservoir, and runs off to the south. 

Another water race was fed by the reservoir, starting at the tunnel outlet in the reservoir wall. 

“To the south-east of the reservoir wall there is a possible sod hut site, now indicated by a low rectangular mound with a depression in the middle that probably indicates the wall outline.”

Gordon said in his report that being pre-1900 the features were protected under the Historic Places Act 1993 and should not be destroyed or altered. 

He told the meeting that following the removal of mature trees onsite, there had been a change in the layout to protect the historic features.

The new layout varied from the initial plan, with the first stage of development being undertaken immediately adjacent to the existing cemetery on the western side. 

Stage one will see 46 burial plots and 24 ash plots adequate for the next 10 years and more, based on projected population numbers. 

Implementation of the Naseby cemetery plan has been reflected in 2025 -2034 Long Term Plan, with funding set aside this year of $10,000 and $100,000 in the 2026/27 year.

The report said fencing work on the existing cemetery would be undertaken as the budget allowed, as would maintenance of the regrowth within the undeveloped area.

“Stages 2 and 3 will happen to meet future burial demand and it is envisaged that the stumps will have decomposed significantly before then making the area easier to develop while continuing to protect that heritage features within the area. 

“These heritage features will be incorporated into the cemetery layout to showcase and reflect the history of the area.”

Naseby Cemetery was established in 1860. Operational for 164 years, the occupied part of the cemetery is now close to capacity requiring that council plan for future burial needs of the Naseby community. 

In 2023 an assessment of burial demand, forecast population growth of Naseby, and the potential burial capacity of the undeveloped area of the property was completed.

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