Taitā Cemetery
Old Monumental Section
Saturday sessions · 9am to 12pm
Join us for a few hours of weeding, sweeping and restoring. Shared morning tea afterwards, because good mahi deserves good kai.
HUTT VALLEY • AOTEAROA NEW ZEALANDEvery grave
Every grave
has a story.
We're a crew of volunteers giving forgotten and overgrown graves a little love, one tidy at a time.
A little time makes a big difference. ↓
WHO WE ARE
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 →OUR PURPOSE AND HISTORY
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.
THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE
Small actions.
Visible change.
A little time and care can make a remarkable difference. Here’s one of our before and after transformations at St John’s Cemetery in Upper Hutt.
GET INVOLVED
There's a place
for everyone.
Come for an hour or stay for the whole session. We'll bring the tools. You bring yourself (and maybe a pair of gloves).
St John's, Upper Hutt
St John's Cemetery
Quarterly volunteer tidies
Help us care for this historic cemetery. Follow our socials for the next confirmed date and meeting instructions.
Upcoming tidies and pop ups
The live calendar connection is being set up. Check our socials for confirmed dates in the meantime.
Dates may change. Check our Facebook or Instagram for the latest session details before heading along.
See upcoming sessions ↗WHY IT MATTERS
Not just a tidy.
A community effort.
All agesEveryone has something to contribute
Real changeOvergrown graves and paths cared for
Good companyCommunity, connection and shared kai
THE CREW IN ACTION
A little look at
what we do.
Real people, real places and a whole lot of elbow grease.
HELP KEEP US GOING
Big hearts.
Little budgets.
We're powered by volunteers and the generosity of our community. Support can look like lending a hand, donating tools, helping with morning tea or partnering with us.
Talk to us about helping ↗
SAY KIA ORA
Got a question?
We'd love to hear it.
Want to volunteer, partner with us or find out more? Drop us a line.
[email protected] ↗Our physical address
23 McHardie Street
Trentham, Upper Hutt
New Zealand
Registered charity details
The Graveyard Shift
Official website: thegraveyardshift.co.nz
Charity registration number: CC62977