NZ Considers Returning Cemetery Reserve Land for Housing Development

The Rotorua Lakes Council is considering returning a section of cemetery reserve land to Ngāti Whakaue iwi for housing development in order to address the housing shortage in the area. The council has proposed a change of purpose for the land and is seeking public input on the matter. The land, gifted by Ngāti Whakaue in 1880 for use as a cemetery, is not suitable for burials and is not being used for its original purpose. The council supports the aspiration for housing development and plans to lease the land to Ngāti Whakaue for development while the reserve status is being revoked. The consultation period will close on August 8.