A memorial seat now marks a fenced area of South Malvern Cemetery in Glentunnel, where about 30 people are buried in unmarked graves.

The area sits behind a gate to the left of the main cemetery. The known burials in this section took place between 1881 and 1920. Until now, nothing showed that the area was part of the cemetery.

Christchurch stonemasons Decra Art Limited donated the granite seat and installed it just inside the gate in early October.

A memorial seat now marks a fenced area of South Malvern Cemetery in Glentunnel, where about 30 people are buried in unmarked graves.

The area sits behind a gate to the left of the main cemetery. The known burials in this section took place between 1881 and 1920. Until now, nothing showed that the area was part of the cemetery.

Christchurch stonemasons Decra Art Limited donated the granite seat and installed it just inside the gate in early October.

The inscription reads: “Remembering the lives resting here.”

Glentunnel Museum member Pam Reynolds says the project started with a conversation about the area.

“Most people had no idea it was part of the cemetery until we started talking about it,” Pam says. “It’s part of the history and culture of the area.”

As the seat can’t be easily seen from the road, more work is planned, including a sign explaining where the unmarked graves are.

Decorative photo

Last modified: 11 Nov 2026 1:13pm