The Friends of Karori Cemetery Inc was formed in early 2020.  The organisation has its genesis in the guided tours researched and provided by Barbara Mulligan trading as Karori Cemetery Tours over many years, and in the extensive community project Barbara led in 2018 for the centennial commemoration of those who died and were buried in the Karori Cemetery during the 1918 flue pandemic.  

The Friends have a close working relationship with the Cemetery management team, and with the WCC.  The WCC aspire to progressively develop the heritage aspects of the Cemetery, and one of the Friend’s main objectives is to support and assist the WCC achieve this.

The Friends are a wholly volunteer–based organisation with an elected Committee which provides leadership and governance.  We issue a regular newsletter and we plan to hold regular meetings with local experts to discuss aspects of the Cemetery heritage and those buried there. For up to date information on current activities please see our Facebook page.

Purposes

• To support the preservation, protection and enhancement of the heritage, recreational and ecological aspects of the Karori Cemetery.
• To advise and assist the WCC in its efforts to achieve this.
• To promote public interest in the Cemetery.
• To support and undertake research into the history of the Cemetery and those interred in it.

Proposed Activities

• The identification, management and interpretation of heritage issues, including (but not limited to) improving access, signage, wayfinding, and interpretation at key locations, contributing to grave/plot restoration, and conducting historical and genealogical research;
• Increasing public awareness and knowledge of the Cemetery including (but not limited to) the development of guided and self-guided tours of the Cemetery, posting on social and other media about heritage and other activities and attributes of the Cemetery, holding events in the Cemetery open to the public, supporting the use of digital technology to enhance access and location finding, and engaging with community groups such as schools and service organisations;
• The documentation and development of the ecological aspects of the Cemetery.

The Friends’ Committee

Amanda Batt – Chair

Richard Bentley, CNZM

Philippa Parsons

Kieran Williams

Sarah Boyd

Katrina Donlan

Julia Kennedy

Dr Tim Mason

Melinda Mackenzie

Constitution