About
Academy

Our Facilities

Our chapel, reception lounge and catering facilities at Academy Funeral Services are modern and comfortable, while outside the award-winning landscaped gardens featuring fountains and ponds provide a beautiful and peaceful environment - the perfect setting for a funeral service.

Academy Funeral Services has been an integral part of the local Christchurch community for more than 40 years.

Originally located in the central city, the firm was established by Peter Lawrence and Geoffrey Hall in 1982. Three years later it moved to a new location on Main South Road, where it was set up in premises previously used as a church.

With his professional and caring approach Peter Lawrence established a rapport with people that has continued on through the qualified, experienced team at Academy Funeral Services, all of whom are gifted with the 'people skills' so important for their work.

Academy Funeral Services is part of InvoCare New Zealand Ltd, the largest provider of funeral services within New Zealand, with a comprehensive network of more than 20 funeral firms and associated businesses. Together we are able to share professional development and industry knowledge, and set higher standards in the funeral profession nationwide. To ensure we continue to set higher standards, phone calls are recorded for quality assurance and training purposes.

Our people make the difference

Meet our friendly
Academy Services Team

"We are a committed team of highly qualified, professional, friendly and caring people providing the personal touch and support that families require in their time of grief."'

ROD LATHAM - LOCATION MANAGER

Our Funeral Directors

Adacademy Staff 2023 George
GEORGE HOLTZ
Assistant Manager
Adacademy Staff 2023 Murray
Murray Crozier
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Adacademy Staff 2023 Dj
David Johnston
Funeral Directors Assistant
Adacademy Staff 2023 Bruce
Bruce McErlich
Administration
Adacademy Staff 2023 Tania
Tania Leighs
Funeral Director
Adacademy Staff 2023 Dean
Dean Austin
Funeral Director
Adacademy Staff 2023 Julie
Julie Smith
Office Administrator
Adacademy Staff 2023 Nigel
Nigel Henderson
Gardener
Adacademy Staff 2023 Kelvin
Kelvin Hurst
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Adacademy Staff 2023 Sharyn
Sharyn Schreuder
Funeral Director
Team Half Peter
Peter Lawrence
Consultant

Academy Funeral Services are members of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand.

Since it was founded in 1937, the FDANZ has promoted quality, expertise and integrity in the funeral profession, and has encouraged the training and education of funeral directors. Today the FDANZ represents approximately 85 per cent of funeral practices in New Zealand. As members of the FDANZ, we follow the Rules of the Association as well as a strict Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct. In keeping with its commitment to high standards of professionalism and ethics, the Association has introduced an independent disputes resolution process.

For information on the FDANZ click here or contact us on 03 343 0919.

We are Proud to Support our Community

At Academy Funeral Services we believe in supporting our community and have strong ties with the following organisations:

  • Autism NZ
  • Bowls Hornby - New Zealand's Home for National Champions
  • Bowls Papanui
  • Caring Families Aotearoa
  • Christchurch Canterbury Go Bananas Children's Charity
  • Christchurch HSOB Assn
  • Diamond Harbour Bowling Club
  • Ellesmere Golf Club

  • Elmwood Park Bowling Club
  • Fendalton Bowling Club
  • Kids Foundation
  • Kirwee Bowling Club
  • Linwood Rugby - Junior Football Club
  • Lions - Christchurch South
  • Morrison Ave Bowling Club
  • Our Lady of Victory School
  • Riccarton Primary School Library
  • Riccarton Racecourse Bowling Club

  • Rotary Christchurch
  • Rotary Papanui
  • Russley Golf Club
  • Special Children's Christmas Party
  • Tai Tapu Bowling Club
  • Tai Tapu Golf Club
  • Templeton Golf Club New Year Classic
  • The Court Theatre
  • West Melton Bowling Club