Eligibility for burial in a veterans' area
Before a burial in a veterans area can take place we need to confirm that the person is eligible.
To do this, the family will need to source a copy of the service information from New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Personnel Archives & Medals or the relevant authority in the country they served with.
Plan ahead for a burial in a veterans' area
Sourcing service documents and confirming eligibility can be time-consuming so we recommend you do this before it is required.
This will help avoid disappointment later.
Where to get veterans' documentation
Auckland War Museum's Online Cenotaph is a great starting point for families to research this information.
This memorial resource is a gathering point for the personal and official memory of people who served for New Zealand.
New Zealand Defence Force Personnel Archives & Medals can issue a confirmation of completed service but you will need to provide them with:
- the service number
- highest rank attained
- the unit, regiment or corps in which the family member served
- the war in which the family member served
- any honours or awards attained (excluding campaign medals or stars).
Families unable to locate this information can obtain a statement of service from the New Zealand Defence Force.
Veterans who served with the armed forces of another country should write to the relevant authorities for a statement of service.
Memorials and headstones in veterans' areas
There is a set style for memorials in the veteran areas, so personal messages or photographs cannot be accommodated.
A standard ex-service memorial of either plaque or headstone is available through Veterans' Affairs New Zealand.
Ask us about what style of memorials are allowed in our cemeteries.
Arranging a burial in a veterans' area
Once you have received confirmation of eligibility, our cemetery staff will work through the required paperwork and answer any questions.
Double burials are allowed in our service cemeteries, allowing veterans to be buried with their spouse or partner.
Auckland Council cemeteries with veteran areas:
- Helensville
- Howick (ash burials only and columbarium wall)
- Kaipara Flats
- Manukau Memorial Gardens
- North Shore Memorial Park
- Otahuhu
- Papakura Central
- Papakura South
- Papatoetoe
- Pukekohe
- Waiheke Island
- Waikaraka
- Waikumete
- Waiuku
- Wellsford
- Wainui.
Find out more
For more information about veteran burials, or a returned service person wanting to plan ahead, contact:
Veterans' Affairs New Zealand
0800 483 8372
or visit veteransaffairs.mil.nz
