http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunedin_Northern_Cemetery http://www.northerncemetery.org.nz/history/cemetery Opened in 1871 there are over 17,500 people buried in this graveyard. The wealth generated during the gold rush is evident here with some of the most impressive tombstones in the Southern hemisphere on display. In 1857, the Northern Cemetery site was chosen for its picturesque setting and ease of access to the town. It was thought that by locating the cemetery on the hillside it would never become a nuisance to the town. The decision to build the cemetery within part of the town belt was met with considerable opposition. On February 5th 1870 however, a Bill was passed to allow development to begin within that location. In November of 1872, the cemetery opened for internments. The first burial occurred on December the second 1872 when little Ada Massey was laid to rest in Plot One of Block 45. The last plot was sold in 1937, although reinterments are still permitted.