David Stevens, Oscar-nominated New Zealand screenwriter, wants a natural burial

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When his time came, screenwriter David Stevens hoped to be buried naturally, without making any fuss.

The 77-year-old man, who lived in Whangārei, had a long career in the film industry, was nominated for an Oscar. in 1980 for the Australian film Breaker Morant .

He was one of many who wanted the Whangārei District Council to establish a natural cemetery in his native forest area at Maunu Cemetery.

David Stevens spoke with the Northern Advocate about his plans in May of this year. Photo / John Stone

The North Lawyer about his plans in May this year. Photo / John Stone — David Stevens spoke with the Northern Advocate about his plans in May of this year. Photo / John Stone

& # 39; & # 39; The underlying idea is that you give back to earth or nature what you took from the land or from nature, "said Stevens in 1945 at the time. northern lawyer .

Kelly Johnson at the burial of David Stevens

On Saturday, he had his wish, and his burial was the first of its kind in Whangārei [19659002] Stevens

He grew up in Africa and the Middle East, studied drama in the UK, and began his screen career in New Zealand.

After a career as a writer and director mainly in Australia, Stevens retired. in Tutukaka, before moving to Kamo in recent years.

Loren Boothby, Partner of David Stevens Stevens

Stevens was an avid advocate of local dramatic arts

. growing trend for natural burials, the Whangārei council had been working for some time at sat. The Ministry of Health, which administers the burials and cremation, gives details about the burials and the proposed location.

A natural burial means that the body, which must not be embalmed, is buried in a relatively shallow grave or put in a shallow box made of cardboard or other untreated wood or fiber.

The first burial without coffin among the trees at the Maunu cemetery.

Few ways to mark who is buried there, without gravestones. The graves have a depth of 800 cm, where the active layer of soil will allow the body to return relatively quickly to the earth.

David Stevens natural burial at Maunu cemetery