Our team.

Owner / Managing Director /
Registered Funeral Director

2002 was a turning point in my life, as I had the opportunity to start a new profession / calling / career. Funeral Directing was in my blood on my mother’s side.

Married to Christine and having three adult children, life has been very busy.

Outside of work, I enjoy being part of Repertory Invercargill whether it be performing, backstage, front of house or serving on the committee.

Work is very demanding at times but very enjoyable, helping families during their worst time, this gives me the most satisfaction.

The staff at Avenal Park Funeral Home work well together and we work as a team, a family. We treat everyone who we look after as one of our family, we care families as we would like to be treated and looked after.

Owner / Business Manager

When at the beginning of 2016, Nigel and I were given the option to purchase Avenal Park Funeral Home, we knew that this was an amazing opportunity for us to be able to assist and support Southland families in their time of need. We are fortunate with our staff at Avenal Park Funeral Home – they all care, have pride and show respect in the work they do.

I have a background in working for a local government department, in which I supported and assisted members of the community. I now volunteer as a support worker for Victim Support, which in itself is rewarding and humbling.

When not working, I try and relax by walking Merlin (our Samoyed), reading, cooking and baking, watching movies and spending time with our family and friends.

Funeral Director / Embalmer L5 Dip

A proud Southlander I was born and raised in Invercargill.

After having a background in retail, hospitality and floristry I joined the Funeral Profession in 2017. Having empathy and compassion this role has been a natural progression for me.

In 2019 I completed my Level 5 Diploma in Embalming, and I was also the proud recipient of the Endeavour Award.

It is an honour to serve families in their time of need, while providing care and respect for their loved ones. I feel privileged and humbled to be part of this journey.

Outside of work I value spending time with my family and friends, the occasional bit of travel and making the most of all our beautiful province has to offer.

Funeral Director / Monumental Mason

I was previously a hairdresser and bringing that aspect to the funeral industry is helping me to look after families loved ones. I certainly enjoy working with families to help them through the grief process.

Registered Funeral Director / Embalmer

I am a mother of three grown children and four grandchildren. I have been working in the funeral industry for the past 20 years as a Funeral Director/Embalmer.

My working background also consists of hair and makeup work; this has been an asset when working with the deceased as the final presentation is such an important part of the job. I naturally gravitated to funeral directing as I have a love of people and to me it is a privilege to be able to assist in this final journey and farewell of a loved one. The funeral industry is not just a job but a calling, you need to love what you do and have empathy, compassion, and care for people of all walks of life. I am currently studying Te Ara Reo, Maori Language to further my understanding and knowledge around Tikanga and Tangihanga. My ultimate motivation is to serve the people and families in our community and do this with understanding and sensitivity for individual family’s needs and the wishes of the deceased.

Out of work, I love to spend time with family and friends, I enjoy walking, time in the garden and the sea.

Monumental Mason

Having started in January 2006, I predominantly work in the monumental area of Avenal Park Funeral Home. I am fortunate to have learned a lot of skills from my late father (Ross Ryan), who was involved in the funeral industry. I get great satisfaction in completing a headstone for our clients and seeing it installed. While I enjoy the solitude of the monumental workshop, I also enjoy working with the Avenal Park team in a team environment. I am passionate about what I do; it is an art and is a very important part of the healing process for families.

For me, classic cars (which are a passion), garage sales and op shopping (always looking for a bargain) and tending to my house keep me busy.

Embalmer / Funeral Assistant

Starting at Avenal Park in December 2022 as an embalmer and funeral assistant, has been a professional career I have aspired to for many years prior. Coming from a working background of hospitality and health care, the funeral industry felt like a natural transition for me.

Experience in previous employment has provided me with an understanding, certain skill sets and a passion for working with people in our diverse community.

I feel it is a privilege to look after families loved ones at such a sad time. To be able to provide the final cares for the deceased with compassion, dignity, and respect throughout the entire process, I hope will be comforting for families going through the motions of grief.

My partner and myself have three teenage children and three dogs, it’s a loud and busy household most days. Born and raised here, in our free time we love to explore the outdoors we’re so lucky to have so close to us in Southland and Spending quality time with friends and family whenever we can. In my own quiet time I enjoy music, collecting plants, far too much shopping and getting a good workout at the gym.