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 a gorgeous grandson 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, so I was delighted when Shelley and Jim Wilson offered the opportunity to purchase Aoraki Funeral Services & McBride's Monumental Masons. |
So it is with huge thanks to Shelley and Jim that Nicki and myself can now fulfil a long-time dream of working together to serve our wider communities and keeping Aoraki locally owned and operated.
I am excited to be learning a new role in the monumental side of the business as well as assisting on the funeral side and supporting the extremely empathetic, caring and committed staff that we were so privileged to retain.
I am excited to be learning a new role in the monumental side of the business as well as assisting on the funeral side and supporting the extremely empathetic, caring and committed staff that we were so privileged to retain.
Shelley Wilson
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I was born and educated in Timaru and moved to Dunedin as a teenager to attend secretarial training at the Otago Polytechnic. I entered the business world as a secretary in 1979.
After marriage and birth of my two children, I returned to full-time employment and in the evenings I ran my own dance studio. As the children grew, we all became heavily involved in Musical Theatre. I choreographed many shows within Mosgiel, Dunedin and Waikouaiti. After the passing of my mother, I was inspired to enter the funeral industry to extend support and guidance to grieving families, just as the professionals that cared for our family had done. In 2006 I gained employment with Gillions Funeral Services in Dunedin and after several years of study I earned a double qualification with Diplomas in Funeral Directing and Embalming. |
Coming back to Timaru was always in my heart and with the purchase of Aoraki Funeral Home and McBride's Monumental Masons in 2013, I finally returned home to care for the community in my chosen profession. I have also recently been fortunate to choreograph Mamma Mia and Chicago for the Waimate Theatre Company.
My Husband Jim and I are now working alongside the new owners of the funeral home and monumental masons' businesses - Nicki and Brendan Lysaght. We are thrilled that the legacy of care and commitment is now in capable hands of a local family with lots of heart.
My Husband Jim and I are now working alongside the new owners of the funeral home and monumental masons' businesses - Nicki and Brendan Lysaght. We are thrilled that the legacy of care and commitment is now in capable hands of a local family with lots of heart.
Jim Wilson
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I was born and raised in Dunedin where I enjoyed a career in the building industry, then moving to management level. After 40 years in that industry, I was ready for a change.
Seeing the joy that Shelley received when assisting grieving families gave me insight into this rewarding vocation and the decision was made to purchase a funeral home to be of service together. The opportunity arose to purchase Aoraki Funeral Home from Paul and Marie Lockery, and my new career began. Training at Dunedin Monumental Masons gave me the skill and workmanship required to manage the monumental side of our business. It has been a privilege to produce memorials that are a unique and lasting reminder of a loved one. Now it is time to pass on my knowledge to Brendan and the team as I move towards retirement. |
Allie Hitchcock
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I was born in Timaru, raised in the Esk Valley/St Andrews area and educated at St Andrews Primary School and Timaru College (now Mountainview High School). I am married, and we have one dog.
I have worked in various roles and industries, from manufacturing, retail sales, accounting, and hospitality to a clerical position at Timaru Hospital supporting patients and staff. I enjoy helping and assisting others. Over the past three years, I have lost my Mum, Dad and mum-in-law, and I understand how stressful this time can be. I care about your journey, so it would be my privilege to help and guide you through this process. Outside of work commitments, I enjoy biking, design, renovating, walking my dog and spending time with family and friends. |
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
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 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.
Embalmer
Funeral Assistant
[email protected]
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 marked a profound moment of joy, filling our family’s life with laughter and love. His 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 honored 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 by my side and a career rooted in compassion, I look forward to what the future holds.
The arrival of my son in early 2023 marked a profound moment of joy, filling our family’s life with laughter and love. His 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 honored 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 by my side and a career rooted in compassion, I look forward to what the future holds.
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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