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~
Shelley Wilson
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I was born in Timaru and studied at Highfield, Watlington Intermediate and Timaru Girls High Schools. Upon completing these years of education, I moved to Dunedin, where I was offered secretarial training at the Otago Polytechnic. I entered the business world as a secretary.
After marriage and the birth of my two children, I returned to full-time employment, this time as a sales representative. I enjoyed the challenge of meeting the various expectations of those that I met and served. During this time, I was heavily involved with my children in our love of Musical Theatre. I choreographed many of the shows within Mosgiel, Dunedin and Waikouaiti. When not involved with the choreography, I would hold the position of Production Manager. This role has fine-tuned my skills in event management. |
When my mother passed away in 1990, our family's support from our funeral director caring for Mum was terrific. It was at that time that I felt the desire to join the industry. It wasn't until 2006 that I finally got the opportunity to gain employment with Gillions Funeral Services in Dunedin—after several years of study, earning a double qualification with Diplomas in Funeral Directing and Embalming.
Coming home to Timaru was always in my heart from the day I left. With the purchase of Aoraki Funeral Home, I can finally live back in Timaru. I am thrilled to say and I love caring for the community in my chosen profession.
Coming home to Timaru was always in my heart from the day I left. With the purchase of Aoraki Funeral Home, I can finally live back in Timaru. I am thrilled to say and I love caring for the community in my chosen profession.
Jim Wilson
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I was born and raised in Dunedin and have enjoyed a career in the building industry, the last 25 years at the management level.
I met my wife Shelley in Dunedin and together we spent many holidays with her family in her home town of Timaru. Supporting Shelley in her role as a funeral director has given me insight into this rewarding vocation. After deciding that we would very much like to work together in the funeral industry, we began to search for a business to purchase. We were thrilled when the opportunity arose to purchase the Aoraki Funeral Home from Paul and Marie Lockyer. As my role was to manage the Monumental Business, I spent six weeks at Dunedin Monumental Masons learning the trade before coming to Timaru. |
During 2013, I worked alongside Paul Lockyer who is a very experienced monumental mason. This has advanced my skills and I am now helping families to provide lasting memorials for their loved ones by having designed headstones or plaques painted and installed.
When required I also lend a helping hand as a funeral assistant. I find my new career path to be both interesting and rewarding. In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, reading and listening to music.
When required I also lend a helping hand as a funeral assistant. I find my new career path to be both interesting and rewarding. In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, reading and listening to music.
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Sonia Sullivan (nee Patterson)
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Born and raised in Timaru, I commenced working in the funeral industry when I was just 16. By the age of 20, I was the first qualified Embalmer in South Canterbury.
In 1996, I took to the skies, moving to Dubai to join the multi-cultural, award-winning team at Emirates Airlines, where I was an Air Hostess for ten years. I returned home in 2006, settling down in the Timaru/Waimate district and was delighted to resume my career in the funeral industry, working at Aoraki Funeral Services. I took time out of my busy career to raise my two children, returning to the work I am passionate about. I enjoy talking to community groups about my travels with Emirates and my current position in the funeral industry in South Canterbury. I am proud to bring my skills to the team at Aoraki Funeral Services and to recommence working there as a Funeral Director and Qualified Embalmer. I am also delighted to continue supporting our local community. |
Nicki Lysaght
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Born and raised in Timaru, I have two wonderful children, 21 and 16, 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, rodeos and playing darts. 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 to be back doing what I love and using my experience to offer comfort to people in their times of greatest need. I’m very proud and privileged to be back where my career started and to be joining the wonderful team at Aoraki.
I am thrilled to be back doing what I love and using my experience to offer comfort to people in their times of greatest need. I’m very proud and privileged to be back where my career started and to be joining the wonderful team at Aoraki.
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. |
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: office@aoraki.kiwi.nz 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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