March 10, 2026

#national: Growing Concerns Over Scattering Ashes on Whenua and Waterways

Dale Husband Posted On March 10, 2026

The increasing practice of scattering cremation ashes across natural landscapes is raising concerns among Māori leaders about the impact on cultural values, sacred places and the mauri of the environment.

Cremation has become increasingly common across Aotearoa, with many families choosing to scatter ashes in places that held meaning for their loved ones. Beaches, rivers, mountains and parks are among the locations often chosen as final resting places.

However, from a tikanga Māori perspective, scattering ashes on land and in waterways can create significant cultural and spiritual concerns.

In te ao Māori, the body and everything associated with it is considered tapu. Ashes from cremation remain connected to the person and therefore carry spiritual significance. When ashes are scattered in places that are culturally important or environmentally sensitive, it can affect the spiritual balance, or mauri, of those locations.

Many waterways in particular hold deep cultural significance. Rivers, lakes and coastal areas are often recognised as ancestors and are central to iwi identity and whakapapa. Introducing human remains into these spaces without cultural consideration can therefore be seen as disrupting the natural and spiritual order.

There are also practical concerns around the cumulative impact of the practice. As cremation becomes more common, the number of locations where ashes are scattered is increasing, including areas that may already have deep historical and cultural importance such as wāhi tapu or traditional gathering places.

Those raising concerns acknowledge that many families scatter ashes with genuine respect and good intentions, often choosing locations that held personal meaning for the deceased.

The challenge, Māori leaders say, is that many people are simply unaware of the cultural implications of their actions.

Greater awareness and education are increasingly being seen as key to resolving the issue. Funeral directors, local councils and government agencies are being encouraged to work alongside iwi and hapū to provide clearer guidance to the public about culturally appropriate practices.

Some communities are already exploring ways to develop designated areas for ash scattering that respect both personal wishes and Māori cultural values. These approaches aim to balance the desire for remembrance with the need to protect sensitive sites and maintain the mauri of the environment.

The discussion is also highlighting the need for more nationally consistent guidance. Currently, decisions about ash scattering are often handled locally, with varying levels of consultation with mana whenua.

Many Māori leaders say a more coordinated approach is needed that reflects tikanga Māori while still recognising the diversity of cultural practices across the country.

Ultimately the issue is less about restricting personal choices and more about encouraging understanding. By learning more about the cultural significance of land and waterways, advocates say families can honour their loved ones in ways that respect both their memory and the deeper relationships Māori maintain with the natural world.

More to come