Headstone rules and restrictions

When someone passes away, amongst the grief and sense of loss, there’s also often a strong sense of honouring and remembering them. 

There are countless ways you can do this, from planting a tree, to donating in their name to their favourite charity. One of the common ways is with a meaningful headstone or memorial plaque made for their burial plot. 

Back in the day, headstones were little more than rocks placed over a grave. But things have advanced since then, and there are even certain rules you will need to be mindful of when preparing a headstone in New Zealand, and what the headstone rules can look like. 

Let’s dig in. 

What is a headstone? 

A headstone is a way for loved ones to mark the final resting place of the deceased, often sharing some key points about that person’s life. 

Typically, it includes their name, dates of birth and death, and perhaps a quote or line about them. Yet it can also include anything from a photo to a small sculpture, to graphic design and imagery. 

The stone itself is most commonly granite in New Zealand, as it is highly durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain. Marble is another common choice but requires more maintenance, but other options include limestone, basalt, and sandstone. 

Note that organising a headstone is not typically part of planning a funeral. It usually takes a while to get made so won’t be ready in time for the burial. If anything, the headstone can be something you can plan for 6-12 months after the funeral – it can also give a chance for the soil to settle.

So aside from the basics, there is a huge amount of creativity in headstones – the only question is what your cemetery allows. 

Key headstone rules and regulations in New Zealand

Ultimately, a headstone must meet a cemetery’s restrictions in order to be placed on a grave. The good news is that most cemeteries are pretty open to various designs and additions, but each one can be a little different, so you’ll need to do your research. 

Local council approval

Most council-operated cemeteries require prior approval before a new headstone or any change to an existing memorial can be made. This typically involves submitting an application, including designs, materials, and dimensions for the council’s approval. Here’s an example below of some council requirements:

• The Western Bay of Plenty District Council outlines the maximum size a headstone can be. For burial plots, this is no more than one metre high, and for ashes plots, headstones can be no more than 700mm high.
• The Waikato District Council has their own headstone size limitations. Here, the maximum height is 1200mm, with a maximum width of 1000mm. 

In other words, it’s best to consult your local council for guidelines. Most will offer maximum sizes, and may also have requirements around the materials and inscriptions allowed. 

Councils generally also require you to get a permit to have a headstone put in place, and they also require that a certified stonemason does the work. Typically, if you place a headstone that doesn’t meet council requirements, they may have it removed. 

Permit and rights

Only the Burial Rights Holder (plot owner) or their authorised representative (executor, family member with appropriate documentation) may apply for a permit. Proof of entitlement, like a purchase receipt, statutory declaration, or an “authority to act” form is required.

Application forms in Matamata-Piako state that only the plot holder or someone with legal authority (statutory declaration or authority to act) can submit the application.

Approved materials     

Cemeteries generally restrict memorial materials to durable, long-lasting options: granite, marble, bronze, ceramic, stainless steel, basalt, and andesite are commonly acceptable.

Some councils discourage or prohibit softer or less durable materials, for example, Waimakariri District Council notes that schist is not recommended outdoors due to weathering which should be taken into consideration when in the planning stages.

Installation     

When it comes to installation, only qualified, council-approved monumental masons or installers are allowed to erect, remove, or reinstate headstones. This often includes membership in the Master Monumental Masons Association Inc. or PREQUAL registration. All installations must comply with the NZ Standard 4242:2018 – Headstones and Cemetery Monuments, ensuring structural integrity and safety.

Cultural differences in cemetery regulations and memorialisation

New Zealand, as a melting pot of cultures, does see some differences in the way headstones are created – and celebrated.

Māori funeral customs and headstones

One of the key differences when it comes to Māori headstones is that they are not always unveiled as soon as the headstone is ready. This is called hura kōhatu, and includes the full process of planning the headstone, choosing the words that are inscribed, and performing karanga karakia at the ceremony – otherwise known as the call of home.

This process will vary from one whanau to another, but the unveiling will traditionally occur 12 months after the death. It often involves the family gathering to remember and honour those who have passed.

Additionally, many cemeteries will have water available on site. This is a nod to Māori custom, which is to wash hands before departing the cemetery.

Muslim grave sections in cemeteries

Muslims are a small but growing minority in New Zealand, representing approximately 1.3% of the population. For this reason, it’s not unusual to find Muslim grave sections in major cemeteries.

These sections are designed to meet the requirements of a traditional Muslim burial, including the plot facing Mecca, single-depth plots, and shrouds rather than coffins.

Additionally, these sections often use grave markers rather than headstones. These are the typical designs and traditions, though they may differ from one cemetery to another.

Maintaining headstones: Whose job is it?

While council employees will maintain the grounds and even the gravesite itself, it’s up to the families and loved ones of the deceased to maintain the headstone.

For example, workers will keep the lawns mowed and the grounds tidy. Following storms, they will often identify sites that might need filling with more topsoil due to sinkage. And should you notice the grave needs maintenance, you can contact the cemetery office to notify them.

However, if the headstone becomes chipped, dirty, or difficult to read, that’s up to the friends and family of the loved one to repair, clean, or replace. Note that you may need to obtain a new permit if you plan to replace the headstone.

Balancing tradition and modern cemetery guidelines in NZ

Want to put a QR code on a headstone and link it to an online website where viewers can check out stories, photos, and information about the deceased? Want to add a photo to the headstone itself? How about a video screen or hologram?

Modern headstone trends are offering more options for families to honour and remember their loved ones. And fortunately, so long as those changes don’t push a headstone outside of the cemetery’s guidelines, they should be allowed in most burial sites around Aotearoa (but be sure to check with your council!).

Planning your own farewell 

Is there something you’d like on your headstone, or a particular design? Making plans for your own funeral can be a gift to your family, who won’t have to go through the process of making all those decisions on your behalf during a time of grief.

And the cherry on top of this pre-planning gift for your family? Funeral insurance. With OneChoice Funeral Insurance, you can have your plans laid out and the funds ready to cover some or all of the costs – giving your loved ones peace of mind when they need it most. 

28 Oct 2025