Outrage Over Damaged Nelson Headstones

Residents of Nelson are expressing outrage following reports of damage to headstones at Marsden Cemetery, with accusations directed at a contractor hired by the local council for maintenance.

The issue came to light after Tania Kingston visited her mother’s grave in late March 2026 and discovered that a photo tile on the headstone had been broken. Kingston attributed the damage to a lawnmower striking the headstone during routine upkeep and maintenance activities at the cemetery.

It’s an emotional thing anyway, when you come up. To find that your mum’s headstone’s been damaged, it’s just so disheartening.

Tania Kingston

Following the discovery, Kingston contacted the council and was redirected to Green by Nature, the contractor responsible for open spaces. She reported that for the following four weeks, she experienced a period of toing and froing as she attempted to resolve the issue.

According to Kingston, there was a failure to accept responsibility for the incident, stating that no one wanted to take ownership of the damage.

Community Reports of Widespread Damage

Frustrated by the lack of progress and accountability, Kingston shared her experience on a local community Facebook page. The post drew a significant number of responses from other residents who claimed their loved ones’ headstones had also been damaged.

These reports included claims of headstones being marked by muddy tyre tracks. Kingston described her reaction to these additional reports as being shocked, disgusted, [and] sickened.

The lack of empathy that [the] workers have in a cemetery is disgusting. It’s not okay.

Tania Kingston

Kingston expressed the belief that greater care should be exercised by those maintaining a ratepayer-funded cemetery, specifically noting that contractors who bid for such maintenance should ensure no damage occurs to the headstones.