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. |
Pip McLachlan
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After spending a great year at Evolv -Cameron’s, I decided to take up the wonderful opportunity offered to me at Aoraki Funeral Services. I am thrilled to be back in funeral directing.
In the past, I’ve always been in the public eye and community of Timaru either in retail, owning our own business, real estate, coaching and managing my girls through their sport. I enjoy being busy helping people and giving to the community. I look forward to having the honour of helping you and your loved ones. |
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. |
Jade Whaley (nee Kyles)
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I have made Timaru my home since the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011 bumped my family south. I own a passion for life and a love for people. I cannot think of a more wonderful, fulfilling journey than the one that has led me to funeral directing. I accept that caring for and supporting others is my calling, and I have done that in various roles throughout my life. Compassion and integrity is my greatest strength, honouring and supporting families is my reward.
I love Timaru, its people, surroundings and have various roles volunteering in the community. I am happily married to Rob; we have two puppies (Ruby and Betty) that keep us busy. Our children, 28, 26, 21 and 18, are happily forging out their own lives in various parts of NZ. I love being Meema to two two-year-old grandchildren. |
I have a happy and fulfilled life with any spare time renovating our house and garden or supporting local business by shopping and enjoying a glass of wine and meal out with family and friends. Born in Dunedin, I began my career as a hairdresser. Moving to Christchurch when I was 20 years old, I went on to manage a salon and team of 15 staff before starting my own hairdressing business. In my 30’s, I retrained at Christchurch College of Education and The University of Canterbury in primary teaching, focusing on special needs, dyslexia, and autism.
Since my 40’s, I have been in business as a guide, coach and mentor, offering guidance and support for people all over the globe. In 2017 I trained and qualified as a marriage and funeral celebrant and have thrived in this role. In 2020, it was a natural progression for me to move into funeral directing, I welcomed the opportunity. I have the passion, dedication and need to serve. I love that I am part of a team that has my values and ethics.
Since my 40’s, I have been in business as a guide, coach and mentor, offering guidance and support for people all over the globe. In 2017 I trained and qualified as a marriage and funeral celebrant and have thrived in this role. In 2020, it was a natural progression for me to move into funeral directing, I welcomed the opportunity. I have the passion, dedication and need to serve. I love that I am part of a team that has my values and ethics.
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
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160 Mountain View Road, Timaru
11 John Street, Waimate
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Copyright © 2021 Website created by Jade Whaley at Aoraki Funeral Services