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. On completion of these years of education, I moved to Dunedin, where secretarial training was offered 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, The support our family received from our funeral director caring for Mum, was amazing. 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, gaining 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, 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, 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
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Born and raised in Timaru, I commenced working in the funeral industry when I was just 16 years of age. 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 work 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 very pleased 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 that was 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 with a husband and one dog.
I have had an extensive career working in a variety of different roles and industries. From manufacturing, retail sales, accounting and hospitality – to a clerical role 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 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 passion 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 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. After 10 years together, I will marry Rob in Timaru, April 2021. I have two great girls who at 20 and 17 years are happily forging out their own life. We have two puppies that keep us busy. |
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 with a focus on special needs, dyslexia and autism.
Since my 40’s, I have been in business as a 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. It was a natural profession for me to move into funeral directing, I welcomed the opportunity. I have the passion, dedication and need to serve and 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 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. It was a natural profession for me to move into funeral directing, I welcomed the opportunity. I have the passion, dedication and need to serve and 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. Prior to 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 Director's are always available to help you should you have any questions. You are always welcome to contact us
Supporting and caring for families throughout South Canterbury
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160 Mountain View Road, Timaru
11 John Street, Waimate
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Copywrite 2021 Website Created by Jade Kyles at Aoraki Funeral Services