Many years ago, the New Zealand government supplied schools across the country with skeletons to be used for educational and scientific purposes. Over time the use of human skeletal remains has been discontinued within classrooms. 

Nayland College had one of these skeletons, dating back to the 1960's. Last year we began the process of investigating a way of honouring the person that the skeleton represented and laying them to rest in an appropriate way.

The skeleton at Nayland College was identified as a woman in her 30's of Indian descent. Local iwi supported Nayland College in making arrangements for her to be farewelled and interred at Marsden Cemetery this week. It was a beautiful and moving ceremony as we acknowledged and honoured her life. 

Special thanks to Ngāti Koata and Harvey Ruru who guided us through the process.