Undertaker raises Cain

A row has erupted in the Hutt Valley suburb of Wainuiomata over an undertaker moving into the central business district, next to shops and food outlets.

Wainuiomata is divided over the move last week of Omega Funeral Services, owned by well-known local businessman Darryl Angus, from a nearby industrial area to the town's Queen St.

Local shopkeepers fear customers will be turned off by the mortuary.

The owner of Duke's Dairy, Neville Isherwood, said customers found the proximity of the business "offensive".

Mr Isherwood blamed town planning rules that allowed incompatible businesses to co-exist.

"I find it incomprehensible that a business involving dead bodies and embalming chemicals can be permitted to operate right next to a food outlet.

Mr Angus said most people were not concerned about the mortuary's move. "We're having it blessed by a local kaumatua."

- NZPA