Crematorium Summary
10 comments for Crematorium.
Summary of Resident Feedback on Crematorium Proposals
The Nelson City Council has received a variety of opinions from residents regarding the future of the Wakapuaka crematorium. The feedback can be broadly categorized into three main viewpoints: those in favor of retaining the crematorium under council management, those supporting its divestiture or closure, and suggestions for upgrading to more environmentally friendly technology.
Support for Retaining the Crematorium
Several residents expressed support for continuing the operation of the crematorium under council management. Key points included: - The facility is perceived to be covering most of its operational costs, thus not burdening the council's budget significantly. - There is ample space available for more ash plots, which could encourage its continued use. - Retaining the facility could provide competition, potentially keeping costs lower for the community.
Support for Divestiture or Closure
Conversely, other submissions supported the idea of divesting or closing the crematorium: - Some residents feel that operating a crematorium is not an appropriate role for the council. - There are environmental concerns, particularly regarding the use of diesel, which conflicts with New Zealand’s goals to decarbonize. - One resident suggested that if there is resistance to the closure, the facility could be offered to current users for a nominal fee, transferring responsibility to them.
Recommendations for Upgrades and Environmental Considerations
A significant portion of the feedback focused on the environmental impact of the crematorium, with suggestions for modernizing the facility: - Transitioning from a diesel-fueled system to an electric one was frequently mentioned, which would align with environmental goals by reducing emissions such as PM2.5 and NO2. - Residents are interested in exploring new, eco-friendly technologies for disposing of the dead.
Recommendations for Council Consideration
Given the diverse viewpoints and suggestions, the council might consider the following steps: 1. Conduct a Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the financial implications of continuing to operate the crematorium versus the potential savings from divestiture. 2. Environmental Impact Assessment: Assess the environmental impact of the current diesel system and explore the feasibility and costs of upgrading to an electric system or other eco-friendly technologies. 3. Community Engagement: Further engage with the community to gauge broader public opinion, particularly focusing on the environmental and financial aspects of the various options.
Conclusion
The council faces a decision that balances financial prudence, environmental responsibility, and community service. The feedback indicates a split in community preferences, necessitating careful consideration of the economic and environmental data, alongside further community consultation, to reach a decision that aligns with both the council's strategic goals and community values.
| Comment | Point ID |
|---|---|
| In terms of the Wakapuaka crematorium and its divesting, it seems to be a relatively small cost saving by divesting this facility, which will not go very far at all in Council's budget and the facility seems to be recouping most of its costs. I support no change to this facility ie continue to operate. There is still a lot of space for more ash plots at Wakapuaka and by retaining this facility, it may encourage more people to use the ample plot space. | 169.9 |
| Crematorium- doesn't seem like a business the council should be in nor does running diesel to run the system seem very sensible as New Zealand decarbonises. | 773.14 |
| ****Crematorium A good move!! | 828.14 |
| Crematorium I support. An electric crematorium sounds like a bold vision worth considering. Are there new technologies and other more eco -friendly ways of respectfully disposing of the dead that could be considered? | 882.11 |
| Crematorium NPHS agrees that a reduction in carbon impact from the diesel-fuelled cremator is desirable. Replacement with an electric system will reduce harmful emissions such as PM2.5 and NO2. Should the crematorium continue to operate NPHS supports use of alternative fuel or upgrade to an electric cremator. | 887.12 |
| It is good to see the crematorium closing - I have been advocating for this for about 10 years now. If any current user complains tell them they can take it over for $1 per year and become responsible for it. | 941.4 |
| Crematorium I support divestiture of the facility. | 982.15 |
| Crematorium I prefer keeping this in council hands, resource consents will be easier soon and we need the competition to keep costs down. | 1094.10 |
| I also support the sale of the crematorium. | 1221.14 |
| Crematorium 40. Wakatū support the proposed divestment. | 1445.8 |