A sea of forgotten stories lies beneath our feet here at Pioneers Cemetery. This is Auckland’s first official cemetery. It has been in use since 1842. Pioneers Cemetery is more than just a burial ground. It is a historical park. It is located on the western slope of Grafton Gully. The cemetery sits by the corner of Symonds Street and Karangahape Road. The Grafton Bridge crosses over it.
The street and thus the Pioneers Cemetery got their name from William Cornwallis Symonds. He was a British Army officer. He played a key role in the early colonization of New Zealand. Pioneers Cemetery is a Historic Place Category I. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust recognizes its importance. The Auckland Council now manages the cemetery.
Back in 1842, Pioneers Cemetery was divided into sections. There were areas for Anglicans, Catholics, and Jews. A shared section was for Presbyterians and Wesleyans. Later, the shared section became Presbyterian. An additional Wesleyan and general section was added.
Imagine the funerals here. Picture horse-drawn carriages slowly making their way up Symonds Street. People dressed in black solemnly followed behind. Mournful hymns echoed through the gully.
After Waikumete Cemetery opened in West Auckland, Pioneers Cemetery closed for burials in 1886. The exception was for existing family plots. No new plots were sold. In 1909, the Auckland City Council took over management.
The development of the Auckland Southern Motorway had a big impact. During the mid-1960s, over 4,100 bodies were moved. They were re-interred into two memorial sites within Pioneers Cemetery. The land area was reduced by about a quarter. During the relocation, 2,000 graves were found under 1,200 headstones in the Anglican section. In the Catholic section, 2,100 graves were found under 400 headstones.
Many of Auckland’s early colonists are buried here. William Hobson rests here. He was the first Governor of New Zealand. He co-authored the Treaty of Waitangi. Archibald Clark is also buried here. He was the first Mayor of Auckland Borough Council in 1851. Edward Costley rests here as well. He was a land owner and philanthropist. Thomas Henderson also lies here. He was a significant entrepreneur. He gave his name to the suburb of Henderson. Early pioneer Henry Keesing, merchant David Nathan, and optician Thomas Peacock are among those interred here.
Sadly, Pioneers Cemetery has faced challenges. There have been repeated instances of disrepair and vandalism. The New Zealand Herald columnist Brian Rudman has criticized the city council. He has called for better maintenance.
The Auckland City Council created the Symonds St Cemetery Conservation Plan in 1996. But only some of its recommendations have been implemented. The Council employs a stonemason to restore gravestones. Vandalism continues. Security guards patrol the cemetery at irregular intervals. But they have not been effective in stopping the damage.
In October 2012, more than 20 headstones were sprayed with antisemitic graffiti and swastikas. This act of vandalism occurred the night before a white nationalist celebration called Flag Day. Three people were arrested.
Despite the challenges, Pioneers Cemetery remains a significant historical site. It is a place to remember Auckland’s early pioneers. It serves as a reminder of the city’s past. Take a moment to reflect on the lives of those buried here. Consider their contributions to the development of Auckland. Their stories are etched in stone.