Upper Hutt City Council has introduced a new digital cemetery management system, powered by PlotBox, marking a significant step forward in how Akatārawa Cemetery is managed.

The system makes it easier for families to find, visit, and remember their loved ones, while helping preserve the stories and heritage held within the city’s cemeteries.

Until now, cemetery records have largely relied on manual processes and historic paper-based information. While carefully maintained, these systems could make it difficult to quickly locate burial sites or access records—particularly for families visiting from outside the region.

The new platform changes that.

Residents can now search burial and ash interment records online, view interactive cemetery maps, and locate plots with greater ease. The system also supports funeral directors and stonemasons to manage bookings and applications online, helping create a more streamlined and responsive service for families.

Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee says the initiative reflects the importance of maintaining connections across generations.

“Our cemeteries are more than places of rest. They are part of our shared story as a city.

“This work helps people stay connected to their loved ones and our history, whether they’re visiting in person or from afar.”

Chief Executive Geoff Swainson says the system also strengthens how Council delivers essential services.

“This is about providing a better experience for families while ensuring our services are accurate, efficient, and fit for the future.

“Moving to a modern, integrated system reduces manual processes, improves data quality, and supports better planning for our growing community.”

The new system also improves how Council manages cemetery operations, providing greater accuracy, reducing administrative workload, and improving visibility of cemetery capacity and future planning needs.

This project strengthens Council’s role as a kaitiaki of local history, ensuring burial records are preserved, accessible, and meaningful for future generations.

Council acknowledges that cemeteries are deeply personal spaces. By improving access to information and making it easier to connect with loved ones, this initiative supports both remembrance and community connection.

This is part of a wider commitment to improving customer experience and ensuring essential services are accessible, reliable, and fit for the future.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

22/04/26