Brown: Council needs 'common sense' over ashes by-law

Mr Brown said he had been reading lots of different editorials and comment on the issue, and had "reflected on it". Photos / APN / Getty Images

Auckland Council needs to apply "common sense" when it comes to the issue of people being allowed to scatter their loved one's ashes in public places, Mayor Len Brown says.

Amidst a growing row over a proposed council by-law which would force grieving families to apply for permission to scatter ashes in a public place, Mr Brown distanced himself from the controversy and admitted it would be "very hard" to enforce.

Read more of the Herald's coverage of this story today:
Editorial: Crass bylaw for ashes deserves rapid burial

"Sometimes you'd never know. How would you know someone was spreading ashes there if they were doing it in a very quiet, private time at night, or in an under utilised time of the day?

"So I think we need to apply common sense, recognise that people will spread ashes on the sea and different places around the community, and not overly intrude on their period of dealing with their grief."

Mr Brown said he had been reading lots of different editorials and comment on the issue, and had "reflected on it".

"My view is we can find a common sense way through here, without a heavy handed application of by-laws," he said.

Last week Auckland Council revealed plans to change by-laws for council cemeteries and crematoria, citing health and safety for workers and visitors.

The proposal would amalgamate rules from councils that merged to form Auckland Council, and could come into force from November.