Our story.
Meet the people and purpose behind The Graveyard Shift.
Good people.
Great mahi.
Graves with dignity.
The Graveyard Shift brings people together to reclaim overgrown graves, clear pathways and help keep our cemeteries accessible and cared for.
We tackle weeds, leaf litter and the occasional very stubborn agapanthus. More importantly, we help preserve the stories and memories held in these places.
We're a friendly, volunteer powered charity. You don't need experience or fancy equipment. Just turn up, say kia ora and we'll find you something to do.
Find out how to join us →Preserving dignity.
Keeping memories accessible.
Our mission
The Graveyard Shift is a community volunteer charity working to reclaim and maintain overgrown graves, keep cemetery paths accessible and preserve the dignity of resting places and the stories they hold.
Our story
Established in 2023, The Graveyard Shift brings volunteers of different ages and backgrounds together for practical cemetery care across the Hutt Valley. Our regular programme includes monthly sessions in the Old Monumental Section at Taitā Cemetery, quarterly sessions at St John's Cemetery in Upper Hutt, and additional pop up working bees.
What we do
Volunteers remove weeds and leaf litter, clear pathways, carefully clean graves using water and brushes where appropriate, and help restore access to memorials. We provide tools and welcome people who can help for an hour or a whole session.
Our community impact
Our sessions bring together volunteers across generations, with around 20 people at a typical tidy. At Taitā, a monthly session can remove around 2.5 cubic metres of green waste. Our work is made possible by community volunteers and local supporters.