How about a tranquil retreat in the heart of Auckland? That’s Purewa Cemetery and Crematorium. It offers peace and support during difficult times.
Purewa Cemetery and Crematorium in Meadowbank has been serving the eastern suburbs since 1889. The Anglican Church established it on gifted land. It remains one of the Church’s important assets.
Purewa means “Buoyant” or “To Float” in Maori. The cemetery was consecrated on All Souls Day, November 2nd 1889. Catherine Boon, aged 15 months, was the first burial on January 9th 1889.
Purewa is an Anglican cemetery. Yet, many buried or cremated here are non-Anglican. Over 45000 people rest here. This includes Auckland’s notable figures. Business leaders, politicians, clergy, and V.C. holders are among them.
In 1937, the Auckland Anglican Diocesan Synod created the Purewa Cemetery Trust Board. The Diocese appoints the Trust Board. Purewa is the only privately run cemetery in the eastern suburbs.
All Saints Chapel opened in 1957 with a crematorium. It seats 208 people. In 1982, All Souls Chapel was built. It accommodates 50 people. A second cremator started operating then as well. By 1998, Purewa had seen 43000 burials and 69000 cremations.
Purewa Cemetery and Crematorium offers two chapels and two family reception lounges. Constant upgrades provide innovative burial options. Two niche columbarium walls were built in 2001. Six kidney-shaped memorial gardens were installed by 2004.
The Lounge of Remembrance opened in 2003 for catering. St John’s Lounge opened in January to meet growing demand. In 2013, the Walk of Memories provided 565 plots. A Mosaic Walkway will be created by Joy Bell. This path is for families to remember newborns and stillborn babies. Bright colours and butterflies offer a living memorial.
There are three gardens and lawns. These include Memorial Gardens, Headstone- Ash Lawn and Ash Lawns. There are also three walls. These are Columbarium/Niche Walls, Ashes Memorial Walls, and a Granite Memorial Book.
Edith Ng notes that Purewa is favored by Chinese families. Its location and public transport access are key. Some families can burn incense in the chapels. Also, Purewa live streams services. This helps connect families overseas.
Today Purewa Cemetery and Crematorium stands as a testament to history and innovation. Its tranquil grounds offer solace. Tree-lined drives and manicured gardens create a peaceful place.