Our people.

Kiri has worked with us since our inception, and in 2018 accepted the position of General Manager. She is passionate about supporting her wonderful team, and is proud to work in an industry that makes a real difference in people's lives. Kiri, with her husband Sean, have two daughters, one studying medicine, and the other a sports fanatic at school.

Born and raised in Whanganui but now call the mighty Waikato home. I have been in the funeral industry for nearly a decade serving families in Auckland before relocating to Cambridge in 2018. I am passionate about creating memorable farewells for your loved one, and being part of this important journey. I am married to Ashleigh and together we have a young son, Monty who keeps us both very busy. In my spare time you will find me spending time outdoors with the family, behind my drums or out off to the west coast fishing.

Taina has been with Legacy since 2008, after 5 years studying and playing volley ball in mainland USA and Hawai’i. She enjoys the constant variety that working for Legacy brings. Taina loves working out, travelling, a good laugh and doing her bit to keep the wine industry going.  

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Before becoming an embalmer, Carla had the privilege of being a funeral director, which has given her the ability to understand the whole process of looking after a family. She has found her passion in the preparation and care of those who have passed. In her spare time, Carla likes to ride her Harley Davidson around NZ (a great way to see our beautiful country) and you'll find her at the gym most days. Her “cup is filled” catching up with girlfriends.

Warwick began his career in the industry in 2004 and is a qualified and registered funeral director. Married to Rina for over 30 years and with two adult children long since left home, they now enjoy sharing their home with grandchildren, friends and pets. You'll often find Warwick in his garden or supporting the Tauranga community as a Justice of the Peace. To be able to combine both a willingness to help those in need and be part of the Legacy Funerals team gives him immense pride.

I was raised on a farm and my first career was following in the family dairy farming footsteps. A change of direction after 17 successful years was to become a professional pilot, a career I enjoyed for 23 years. During those times I met and married my second wife Raewyn and we have had the joy of raising a blended family of 6, hers, mine, and ours. Funeral Directing was always an interest and possibility for me and time as an Ambulance Officer cemented my desire to help others in this way. Joining the Legacy team after learning the funeral directing business is a fantastic opportunity to help those through a difficult time and enjoy yet another great career.

'This job is all about life' is Don's reflection on his role as a funeral celebrant. A family man with extensive experience in both public speaking and interpersonal communications, Don believes it is a privilege to meet with families and hear their stories.

Having been with Legacy for 12 years, Don brought his skills from hospitality and real estate to the team and specialises in creating intimate services that bring loved ones together to celebrate life.

He and his wife Debbie are kept busy by four children, five grandsons, and two e-bikes; one of which doubles as Don's daily transport to and from work.

Fergus began with Legacy as a funeral celebrant. He is a fixture of the community, having worked with St John's Ambulance, and as a Minister with the Omokoroa Community Church. Helping people and alleviating at least some of the stress that families face when a loved one passes comes as second nature to him. Whether as a funeral director or a celebrant, walking alongside families in a way that allows them to grieve and to honour their loved one is something he excels at. Fergus is Deputy Chief Fire Officer with the Omokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade and in his spare time, he can be found with his wife Carolyn and kids, mountain biking, cooking, and enjoying good food.

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Having spent three years as Legacy Funeral’s Office Manager, Jane transitioned into the role of Embalmer and Cremator Operator so she could spend more time helping families through what is often one of the most difficult times in their lives. Jane feels privileged to be working in this role to enable families to view and spend time with their loved ones when they are looking peaceful and at rest. Jane and her husband Bruce enjoy their regular weekend caravan adventures together, and have three young adult children Millie, Sophie and Harry.

Originally from Auckland, Kate and her husband Casey moved to Tauranga in 2016 and welcomed their daughter Isla two years later. After three years juggling a graphic design business and running around as a stay-at-home mum, Kate joined Legacy Funerals. The ability to bring her design expertise to the Legacy Funerals team, and more importantly, being able to offer support and assistance to families during their time of need is a privilege and an honour for Kate. “Legacy cares so much about people – it’s very humbling to be a part of that”.

With a commercial banking career that spanned more than 40 years and having been the bank manager for Legacy Funerals I knew I had many transferrable relationship skills that would enable me to help families in their greatest time of need. I have a reputation for going the extra mile for families to tailor a service that truly celebrates the life of their loved one. Married to Raewyn for 36 years, we have two successful adult daughters. In my spare time I swim, cycle and walk.

Darin feels humbled to be able to assist families by offering the ceremony that best honours their loved one. He is especially valued for his warm approach to people and organisational skills. Darin is married to Ngareta and they have three teenage children. When he’s not at work, Darin enjoys spending time with his family, particularly camping and having fun with outdoor pursuits. He is a big fan of music and known for always having a DIY project on the go.