Our friendly, professional, experienced team are dedicated to serving you and your family. We are always there for you in your time of need. We celebrate the distance we have come and look forward to continuing the journey in serving the people of South Canterbury.
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Our Team
"Bricks and mortar don't make a business - the people do!"
~unknown~
Nicki Lysaght
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Born and raised in Timaru, I have two wonderful adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren who make me very proud. I am married to Brendan and together we live on a lifestyle property where our dogs and horses, whom we love, have room to move.
After having a keen interest in the funeral industry for many years, I was able to join the industry in 2011 with a job opportunity after losing a very dear uncle. From there I quickly became very passionate about my new career and caring for our community. Being trained by some of the best qualified embalmers and funeral directors was a bonus. Throughout the years I’ve worn many hats from directing, embalming, multimedia, design, accounts and monumental. After taking a break I worked in the beauty industry and in a medical laboratory as a histology technician. |
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband, children, family and friends. My interests include my horse, my dogs, motocross, and playing golf. I love the outdoors and have an interest in landscaping and am beginning to enjoy gardening (must be an age thing, right)? In the warmer months I enjoy camping and boating at the lakes.
I am thrilled together with my husband to have had the opportunity to be able to purchase Aoraki and using my experience to offer comfort to people in their times of greatest need. I’m very proud and privileged of our team at Aoraki.
I am thrilled together with my husband to have had the opportunity to be able to purchase Aoraki and using my experience to offer comfort to people in their times of greatest need. I’m very proud and privileged of our team at Aoraki.
Brendan Lysaght
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I was born and raised in St Andrews on a mixed sheep and cropping farm and educated at St Andrews Primary and Roncalli Secondary Schools.
After leaving school I looked to further my farming career by working for local farmers, and then got into the transport industry in hope to one day buy the family farm. A good offer came too early, and the farm was sold, leading me to stay within the transport industry for a good number of years. A change of career to the earthmoving industry offered leadership and management opportunities over the next 18 years. In 2011, my wife Nicki started her career in the funeral industry with Aoraki Funeral Services. Observing her passion for the industry sparked my own interest in being part of this valuable service to the community. |
Nicki and myself have now been working together to serve our wider communities and keeping Aoraki locally owned and operated.
I am excited to be in this role of the business and assisting on funeral services and supporting the extremely empathetic, caring and committed staff that we are so privileged to have.
I am excited to be in this role of the business and assisting on funeral services and supporting the extremely empathetic, caring and committed staff that we are so privileged to have.
Kiley Sparrow
Funeral Director
[email protected] |
Family is at the heart of everything I do. I am a proud mother of three adult children and a Nan to four grandbabies. I share my life with my partner on a lifestyle block, where I enjoy the balance of work and home.
My journey into funeral directing came after the tragic loss of my husband. Experiencing such profound grief firsthand gave me a deep understanding of the emotional weight families carry during these times. It led me to a path I now consider both an honour and a calling. Funeral directing is more than a profession to me, it is a compassionate and rewarding role where I have the privilege of guiding families through one of life’s most difficult moments. I approach every service with care, respect, and a commitment to honouring each life in a meaningful way. |
Alongside this, I also have a small business "A Sparrow's Touch" creating memorial fingerprint pendants and hand casts. These pieces offer families a lasting, personal connection to their loved ones, something to hold close to their hearts.
Supporting others through grief is a responsibility I carry with empathy and dedication, shaped by my own experiences and the importance of family.
Supporting others through grief is a responsibility I carry with empathy and dedication, shaped by my own experiences and the importance of family.
Julie Reese Jones
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Born and raised in Timaru, I am married with two adult children. Before joining the team at Aoraki Funeral Services, I worked at Timaru Motors for 17 years as an administrator and service advisor.
I enjoy meeting people and am passionate about providing good customer service. Outside of office hours, I enjoy walking our family dog, horse racing, gardening and spending time with my family and friends. |
Clare Huddleston
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Born in Singapore and raised in England, I have had the opportunity to travel extensively during my life.
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It is my privilege to look after those that are transferred into our care for the last part of their life's journey. Tragically I know loss and grief as I lost my eldest son when he was just 28 years old. I hope that the empathy I bring to my role may bring some comfort to those also experiencing the loss of a loved one and consider it an honour to care for them as part of the Aoraki team.
Holly Davis
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Born in the charming town of Timaru and raised on a picturesque farm in Geraldine, my early years were steeped in the rhythms of rural life. Growing up amidst vast fields and the gentle sounds of livestock nurtured a deep appreciation for nature and community.
After completing my schooling, I ventured into the rural sector, where I quickly learned the values of hard work and dedication. My thirst for adventure soon took me across the vast landscapes of America and Canada, where I immersed myself in diverse cultures and experiences. Each journey broadened my horizons and enriched my perspective, yet the call of home always lingered in my heart. After three transformative years in North Queensland, Australia, I returned to New Zealand in late 2022, ready to embrace the next chapter of my life. |
The arrival of my son in early 2023 and my daughter in 2025 marked a profound moment of joy, filling our family’s life with laughter and love. Their presence reminds me of the beauty in simplicity and the importance of cherishing every moment spent together.
My lifelong fascination with the funeral industry, inspired by my mother’s dedication since I was just 11 years old, led me to pursue training in embalming. Joining Aoraki Funeral Services has been a fulfilling journey, allowing me to provide compassionate care for families during their most challenging moments. I take immense pride in ensuring that their loved ones are honoured with the utmost respect and dignity, offering support when it is needed most.
As I navigate through life, I am grateful for the experiences that shape me, each journey, and each story contributing to the tapestry of my existence. With my son and daughter by my side and a career rooted in compassion, I look forward to what the future holds.
My lifelong fascination with the funeral industry, inspired by my mother’s dedication since I was just 11 years old, led me to pursue training in embalming. Joining Aoraki Funeral Services has been a fulfilling journey, allowing me to provide compassionate care for families during their most challenging moments. I take immense pride in ensuring that their loved ones are honoured with the utmost respect and dignity, offering support when it is needed most.
As I navigate through life, I am grateful for the experiences that shape me, each journey, and each story contributing to the tapestry of my existence. With my son and daughter by my side and a career rooted in compassion, I look forward to what the future holds.
Lisa O'Neill
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I’m proud to call Timaru home, where I live with my husband Sean and our three amazing sons. We truly believe we live in our own slice of paradise.
My working life began in hospitality, where I discovered a love for connecting with people. I later spent 28 fulfilling years at Medlab Timaru Hospital, working as a phlebotomist and lab technician, a role that taught me compassion, precision, and the importance of care in every interaction. Joining the monumental and funeral industry has been an incredible honour. It’s a privilege to help families create lasting memorials that reflect love, legacy, and cherished memories. I feel fortunate to be part of a team that shares those values. When I’m not at work, I’m happiest surrounded by family and friends, usually in the kitchen, cooking up a storm! I also enjoy walking, yoga, gardening, and watching Sean and the boys play sport. With my bubbly personality and caring nature, I’m always here for a friendly chat, and a warm hug if you need one. ❤️ |
Our Funeral directors are always available to assist you and to answer any questions.
You are welcome to contact us anytime and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
You are welcome to contact us anytime and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Supporting and caring for families throughout South Canterbury
Phone 0800 686 2148
Phone 0800 686 2148
contact usA: 160 Mountain View Road, Gleniti, Timaru
T: 03 686 2148 (24 Hours) Timaru 03 689 7065 (24 Hours) Waimate E: [email protected] w: www.mcbridesmonuments.com We are on Facebook or Instagram Proud member of:
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160 Mountain View Road, Timaru
11 John Street, Waimate
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