Manukau cemetery closed off to public due to roadworks, lockdown rules

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

A south Auckland cemetery has been unintentionally closed off to the public due to roadworks and lockdown rules.

Roadworks on Puinui Road blocking the pedestrian entrance to the Manukau Memorial Gardens have left it inaccessible by foot.

Under alert level 3 rules cemetery gates are required to be shut to unauthorised vehicles, resulting in the memorial being completely closed off.

Manurewa resident Chris Greyling 33, said it was “heart breaking” being prevented from visiting the cemetery.

“Stopping people from visiting the graves of their loved ones seems unusually cruel,” she said.

“Particularly for loved ones that have passed recently, this really is a discourteous act.”

Greyling wants to visit his mother-in-law, who recently passed away.

Auckland Council’s website outlines that under alert level 3 restrictions, all cemetery offices are temporarily closed to the public.

“Essential cemetery services continue to operate at our sites, in accordance with Level 3 requirements. Cemetery gates will be closed to non-authorised vehicles at our main sites,” it reads.

“However, access on foot and for exercise and recreation will remain open. We ask that everyone who visits the cemetery observes physical distancing requirements and avoids meeting anyone or congregating on site.”