Meet the faces behind our
 welcoming funeral home

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.

Bio to come.

I really enjoy doing my very best for families, and helping them at this time when they need personal support and guidance.

Tania has been in the funeral industry since 2007, gaining her qualifications in Funeral Directing in 2011.

I feel honoured to help guide people through one of the most challenging times in their lives.

Kelvin began his journey with Academy Funeral Services in 2005. He became a Qualified Embalmer in 2007, and later completed his Funeral Directing qualification in 2014. With a steady and thoughtful approach, Kelvin brings years of experience and care to every family he supports.

I had always wanted to get into the funeral directing industry since high school, but knew I had to get some life experience under my belt first.”

Murray has been in the funeral industry since 2008 – all with Academy Funeral Services. Murray is a qualified Embalmer and Funeral Director. Previously he worked with Air New Zealand, he says he has always worked with people.

He says the team at Academy Funeral Services are great people to work with.

It is a privilege to look after families at a time when they need personal support and guidance. To help them make the decisions that will enable them to say goodbye to their loved one in their own personal way.

Being a Funeral Director is a truly meaningful role, and it’s an honour to support families during such a difficult time. Helping celebrate lives and offer comfort is both a privilege and responsibility I take to heart.

Claire is a qualified embalmer who began her career in 2011. Claire has built a reputation for her attention to detail and technical expertise. She became part of the Academy team in 2019, where her experience and steady presence have been a valued asset. Claire is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, honouring each individual with dignity and respect, supporting families with quiet strength behind the scenes.

Dean is an experienced Embalmer and Funeral Director, having worked in the funeral profession for 30+ years. Dean is known for his meticulous work and genuine care. He joined Academy in 2022, bringing with him a deep understanding of the technical and emotional aspects of his role. Dean takes pride in helping families through his quiet dedication to respectful preparation and presentation, ensuring every person it treated with the utmost dignity.

To me, I feel very blessed just to be involved in a small way working in such a privileged role.

From a background in retail, faith guided an openness to the possibility of entering the funeral industry. David took that leap of faith in 2017 joining the funeral industry, followed by a small break and then re-entered in 2023 settling into his role as Funeral Assistant at Academy Funerals.

Losing someone can be a very challenging time for many. I consider it a privilege to be able to assist the families in any way possible, professionally and compassionately.

Having spent the last 8 years working at Academy, I have found deep fulfilment in helping families navigate one of life’s most tender moments. Joining the team I felt intuitively right – it’s always been about the people, and how we care for them with empathy and respect during their time of need.

In my role, I take great pride in designing bespoke service sheets that thoughtfully reflect each individual’s life story, personality and passions. Whether it’s incorporating a loved one’s favourite poem, a symbolic motif, or subtle design elements that speak to who they were. I ensure each tribute is visually meaningful and emotionally resonant.

This work combines my attention to detail, understanding of family needs, and a quiet commitment to dignity and authenticity. It’s not just creating a keepsake – it’s about honouring a life well lived.

The staff are wonderful to work with.

Julie started working with Academy Funeral Services in 2013. She likes helping families and especially enjoys preparing the service sheets for the funeral service.