Isn’t it peaceful here at North Shore Memorial Park? This park offers a final resting place amidst beautifully landscaped grounds. Rolling grassy slopes lead down to the picturesque Lucas Creek.
North Shore Memorial Park opened in 1974. It provides a serene environment for remembrance. The park spans 36 hectares which equals about 90 acres. Auckland Council administers this large cemetery.
Inside the main building, you’ll find several facilities. There is an office, a crematorium and a reception lounge. The lounge can accommodate 150 people.
North Shore Memorial Park offers various options. These include burial plots and ash plots. Scattering areas and tree memorials are available. You can also find memorial walls with plaques. A large Returned Serviceperson area is available, too.
The park’s gates are open during specific hours. From October to April, the gates open at 7:30 am and close at 8:30 pm. These are daylight savings months. Outside of daylight saving, the gates are open from 7:30 am to 6 pm.
Special areas within North Shore Memorial Park cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer burial, cremation, or a memorial, options abound. Families can find a fitting tribute to their loved ones.
Notably, Schnapper Rock has a history tied to early European settlers. The area was once known for a gum digging hut. This hut was used by settlers in the mid-19th century. By the early 2000s, suburban housing developed around North Shore Memorial Park.
The name Schnapper Rock comes from the early colonial days. Residents used a solid rock as a landing place. They traveled along Lucas Creek. People believed “schnapper” was the correct spelling of “snapper”. This referred to the good fishing in the area.
The Lucas Creek has significance to modern iwi. These include Ngāti Manuhiri, Te Kawerau ā Maki and Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara.
North Shore Memorial Park stands as a testament to life. It is also a place of reflection. The park offers a tranquil space for those who are grieving. It also provides a lasting memorial for those who have passed. Online burial and cremation records are available. These records can be found on the Auckland Council website. The council is gradually adding historic records to the database. Some gaps exist in the online records.
As you wander these grounds, consider the stories held within. North Shore Memorial Park is more than just a cemetery. It is a place of remembrance. It is also a connection to the past.