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Funeralcare
The magazine of the New Zealand Funeral Profession Issue 71 | June 2021
A MOMENTOUS
OCCASION
Funeral Directors gather in Napier
THE NEW NORMAL?
Question mark over partnership
REVIEWING THE LAW
One step closer to a refresh
JOYS OF ADVOCACY
Not as easy as it seems
!
W
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Contents Funeralcare
Issue 71 | June 2021
2 | EMBALMING’S 50 YEARS 22 | EMBALMERS’ HALF-YEARLY Funeralcare is published quarterly in March,
June, September, and December by the Funeral
It all started as a response to the notion Kirsty Mehrtens reports on NZEA’s Directors Association of New Zealand, the
New Zealand Embalmers Association, and the
that a proposed draft Health (Burial) in-person half yearly conference and
Funeral Service Training Trust. The opinions
Act would require Funeral Directors to meeting after last year’s was shifted expressed in Funeralcare are not necessarily
be registered in February 1969. Jo Piper to online because of COVID. those held by the publishers or the editor.
tracks NZEA’s first 50 years. One copy is sent free of charge to each member
24 | FUNERALCARE of the three organisations and those on the
5 | REVIEWING THE LAW Funeral Directors Association register of funeral
As the founding editor of Funeral- directors. Additional copies are available for
New Zealand’s legislation relating to care steps down he reflects on the $10 each (includes postage). Annual subscrip-
tions to non-members are $75 plus gst (includes
deaths, burials, cremations and magazine’s 17 years and its place in NZ postage).
funerals is one step closer to a the industry Contact the Funeral Directors Association
refresh with strong interest in the national office Tel: (04) 473 7475, or email
26 | TALKING TO THE KIDS info@funeraldirectors.co.nz or visit
plan from the public and sector alike.
www.funeraldirectors.co.nz/funeralcare
Children can ask some very direct
6 | THE NEW NORMAL EDITORIAL BOARD
questions about burial or cremation, John Duncan | FSTT | Kapiti Coast Funeral
Kay Paku, on behalf of the FSTT Trust- and adults can feel uncomfortable Home, Paraparaumu | 027 244 9777 |
ees, says it appears the understanding john@kapitifuneral.co.nz
and uncertain what to say. Skylight Kay Paku | FSTT | Gisborne | 027 240 7439 |
of an equal partnership between the counsellor and clinical leader Suzana kay.paku@xtra.co.nz
Funeral Directors Association, the Sagadin supplies some answers. Tim Brown | NZEA | Dil’s Funeral Services,
Embalmers Association, and the Fun- North Shore | 09 415 8720 |
timbrown18@hotmail.com
Funeralcare
eral Service Training Trust has been lost. Kirsty Mehrtens | NZEA | A Simple Cremation
and Burials, New Plymouth | 021 236 1270 |
8 | JOYS OF ADVOCACY kirstyandco2017@gmail.com
The magazine of the New Zealand Funeral Profession Issue 71 | June 2021 Bradley Shaw | Funeral Directors
Advocating on behalf of members is Association | Gateway Funeral Services,
one of the most difficult parts of the Whakatane | 07 308 6102 |
bradley@gatewayfuneral.co.nz
role of any membership association, Mark Glanville | Funeral Directors
write Funeral Directors Association Association | G Barrell & Sons Simplicity
CEO David Moger. Funerals, Christchurch | 027 839 5347 |
mark.glanville@simplicity.co.nz
12 | MOMENTOUS OCCASION FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION OF NEW
A MOMENTOUS ZEALAND INC
Bradley Shaw reviews the Funeral National Office: Home Ideas Centre, Level 2
OCCASION
Directors Conference in Napier. We Funeral Directors gather in Napier Business Suite, 10 Hutt Road, Petone | PO Box
had a photographer there, too. THE NEW NORMAL?
25148, Wellington 6140 | 04 473 7475 |
Question mark over partnership info@funeraldirectors.co.nz |
18 | 262 YEARS’ SERVICE REVIEWING THE LAW
One step closer to a refresh
www.funeraldirectors.co.nz
JOYS OF ADVOCACY
Chief Executive David Moger | President
Six funeral industry stalwarts were Not as easy as it seems
Gary Taylor | Vice-President Rachel Benns|
Board Peter Giddens, Richard Fullard,
recognised at the Funeral Directors Andrew Malcolm | Co-opted Board Phillip
Association annual conference for Meyer
their collective 262 years’ service to NEW ZEALAND EMBALMERS ASSOCIATION (INC)
New Zealand. We tell their stories. The Secretary, PO Box 44-176, Lower Hutt
5040 | secretary@nzembalmers.org.nz
| www.nzembalmers.org.nz | President
Geoff Botherway | Secretary Jordan Goss
| Treasurer Jo Piper | Executive Kirsty
Mehrtens, Jo Renner
FUNERAL SERVICE TRAINING TRUST OF NEW
ZEALAND
PO Box 10872, The Terrace, Wellington 6143
WE WELCOME YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS If you have had an experience you wish to share with
| T 04 385 9503 | F 04 385 9504 | fiona@fstt.
others in the industry, a strong opinion on a current issue, or just some good advice for
org.nz | www.fstt.org.nz | Chair John Duncan
members or the industry, please contact one of the Editorial Board members or THE EDITOR
| Trustees Tony Garing, Dr Julia Hennessy,
James Gardiner 021 275 3394 or jamesgardinernz@gmail.com
Kay Paku, Michael Wolffram, Mark Baker |
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Want to advertise in Funeralcare? Contact the Funeral Directors Co-opted Representative John Schipper |
National Office for information and a rate card. Tel: (04) 473 7475, email: Secretary Fiona Gillespie
info@funeraldirectors.co.nz or visit www.funeraldirectors.co.nz/funeralcare
ISSN 1176-5151
Issue 71, June 2021 | 1
EDITORIAL
50 years of embalming to
be celebrated in October
By Joanne Piper, MNZEA, Awd. Emb (CIT), NZ Dip. FD
At first it was thought the embalming student needed to have practical
course would remain under the experience with six cases, including
umbrella of one of the three existing autopsied and non-autopsied. Even
“approved” schools of embalming: in those early days the key factor of
the NZ School of Embalming (held practical tuition was considered a
at the Wilson Funeral Home under major challenge.
the leadership of AIan Irvine), the At first it was considered the mortu-
NZ College of Funeral Science (under
aries at Hutt and Wellington hospitals
the leadership of Cedric Little),
may have been able to be utilised, but
and at Lamb and Hayward (under
a contingency plan involving the use
the leadership of Albert Marker
of mortuaries at local funeral homes
and Eric Maffey). That would allow
was also devised.
students to study the embalming
section at any time and enable In the event, as we know, the
legislation failed to require the
It all started as a response to continuity in embalming instruction,
which needed to be “at least up to embalming of deceased human
the notion that a proposed remains by licensed embalmers, nor
the standard of the Certificate for
draft Health (Burial) Temporary Preservation.” were funeral directors recognised as
Act would require needing to be registered.
The draft Health (Burial) Regulations
Funeral Directors were adamant “it will be an offence SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 1971
to be registered in for any person other than a licensed
The New Zealand Embalmers
embalmer to treat a dead human
February 1969. body”. (I have written vehemently
Association was formed on Saturday
2 October 1971, giving the training
The late Jack Ninness was first to about this over the past three years.)
of embalmers in this country a
suggest the New Zealand Federation In regard to registration and licensing, serious boost. Prior to this time,
of Funeral Directors (NZFFD) negoti- the Education Department believed the embalmers had to travel overseas if
ate with the Department of Education initiative for instruction must lie with they wanted formal qualifications.
to establish a certificated Funeral them. However, they were prepared
Between 1971 till 1979, the NZEA was
Service course. This would be held at to entertain the use of “expert” tutors
the only organisation in New Zealand
the Central Institute of Technology, in who were already proven in the field.
to offer a course in embalming, with
Trentham (later in Petone). These “expert” tutors would supple-
the graduates receiving a Preservation
The NZFFD Education Committee, ment the CIT tutors.
and Presentation certificate.
comprising of Jack Ninness, Colin SIX WEEKS OF TUITION Negotiations with CIT Management
Griggs, and Albie Marker, were
The course would be based around Department were continuing during
empowered to investigate the idea.
a six-week period of tuition, and the this period, along with input from
It was envisaged such a course would
subjects to be taught would include the School of Health Sciences.
cover all facets of funeral service,
and embalming was easily identified Histology, Osteology, Myology, Splanch- An embalming course was designed as
as an essential core subject. nology, Angiology, Surface Anatomy, pre-entry to NZEA. The basic structure
Elementary Pathology, Bacteriology, was two six-week blocks, with logbooks
EMBALMING PROBLEMATIC Embalming Chemistry, Cosmetology, and case reports to be completed.
At the same time, the inclusion of Personal Hygiene, Embalming Theory, The subjects have since changed
embalming was also seen as particu- and Embalming Practice. little: Anatomy and Physiology,
larly problematic. It was a requirement that each Chemistry, Embalming Practice,
2 | FUNERALCARE MAGAZINE
MOVED TO END OF
OCTOBER
Consequently, the organising
committee put options to members
at the recent AGM, and the decision
was made to move our celebrations
to the last weekend of October –
the week after Labour Weekend.
All venues have been reconfirmed,
and the same code can be used
to reserve a room at QT Hotel at a
Embalming Theory, Microbiology and qualification also went through a much more acceptable room rate.
Restorative Art. Targeted Review of Qualifications by
The 50th Jubilee committee have put
In 1979 the first embalming course NZQA. This review was to address
together an engaging programme, as
commenced at the CIT. the over-population of qualifica-
follows:
tions throughout tertiary training
By November 1991 some 87 qualified • Thursday 28 October: Early Bird
providers and began the shift from
embalmers had graduated from Dinner at St Johns Bar.
‘national’ qualifications to ‘New
Trentham. • Friday 29 October: Seminar at Te
Zealand’ qualifications.
Wharewaka Function Centre.
NZQA FRAMEWORK What else the review meant in regard
to the embalming course could only • Friday Evening, 29 October:
The future of embalming education Founders Dinner, at Prefab.
was to change with the introduction be speculated on at the time, but it
Everyone welcome.
of the unit standard framework was reasonably assumed the National
Diploma in Embalming would stand • Saturday 30 October: General
by the New Zealand Qualification
out in the review as a qualification Meeting at Te Wharewaka
Authority. CIT endeavoured to
that delivered high-quality education Function Centre.
deliver courses that recognised
outcomes in the art and science of • Saturday 30 October: 50th Jubilee
the need for competent, practical
embalming, producing high-quality Celebration Dinner at Te Papa.
embalmers with sufficient theoreti-
cal knowledge to carry out the task graduates who were well respected at The executive encourages everyone
of embalming to a high standard. home and abroad. to dust off their best shoes, wear
Since 1979 there have been their best glad rags, and enjoy what
The CIT has been synonymous with
approximately 457 graduates of the is looking to be a fun few days of
embalmers and embalming education
Award in Embalming, Certificate in fellowship, celebration, and reminis-
for a substantial period of the NZEA’s
cence from days gone by.
history, but in 2000 the Hutt Valley Embalming, National Certificate in
Polytechnic, based at Petone, and CIT Embalming, National Diploma in Please book your accommodation now
entered formal discussions with the Embalming, and the New Zealand or make alternative arrangements –
Ministry of Education about the possi- Diploma in Embalming (Level 5). accommodation will fill up fast.
bility of these two institutes merging. On Saturday 2 October 2021, NZEA will To make a booking at QT Hotel, go to
CIT was finally disestablished on 1 attain its 50th birthday, on the exact day www.qthotels.com/wellington
July 2001, and though most courses and date anniversary of its founding. Click ‘BOOK’ in the top left-hand
were transferred to WelTec, the Sadly, plans to hold the Golden corner of the page:
embalming course continued at CIT Jubilee celebrations over that week-
until the end of that year. The course 1 Select Hotel from the dropdown
end have had to change, after it was menu.
then transferred to WelTec in time for discovered the date coincides with
the new student intake in 2002. 2 Select the dates of stay and
the renowned World of Wearable
number of guests.
In 2007, NZQA and FSTT saw that each Arts show to be held in Wellington.
3 Click 'I HAVE A CODE'.
of the National Certificate level qualifi- The juxtaposition of dates meant
4 In the ‘CORPORATE ID’ field,
cations in Embalming would become a accommodation was at an absolute
enter your corporate ID:
National Diploma at Level 5. premium for that first weekend of
nzembalmersweb
October, and considerably more
TARGETED REVIEW IN 2013 expensive than we want our members 5 Click ‘CHECK ROOMS’.
In 2012 the next round of evolu- and guests to have to pay. Likewise, Embalmers are well known for a great
tion for the National Diploma in flights in and out of Wellington that sense of humour and antics. See you
Embalming started, and in 2013 the weekend are at premium prices. all there!
Issue 71, June 2021 | 3
CELEBRATING
50 YEARS
ACCOMMODATION AT
QT WELLINGTON
EARLY BIRDS DINNER AT SEMINAR AT
ST JOHN’S BAR TE WHAREWAKA FUNCTION CENTRE
FRIDAY EVENING FOUNDER’S DINNER AT SATURDAY GENERAL MEETING AT
PREFAB TE WHAREWAKA FUNCTION CENTRE
SATURDAY NIGHT 50TH CELEBRATION AT MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND
TE PAPA TONGAREWA
28 T H , 29 T H AN D 30 TH OCT OBER 2021
THE INDUSTRY
Reviewing the law covering death,
funerals, burial and cremation
New Zealand’s legislation
relating to deaths, burials,
cremations and funerals is one
step closer to a refresh with
strong interest in the plan from
the public and sector alike.
A modernised version of legislation
will encompass the current Burial and
Cremation Act 1964, the Cremations
Regulations 1973, Health (Burial)
Regulations 1946, and potentially conse-
quential amendments to other legislation.
The Director of Public Health, Dr Caroline
summary of these submissions on our system for approving new methods of
McElnay, says the consultation has
website in the coming weeks, but the body disposal, such as requiring every
helped inform the development of a
overall feedback is supportive of a refresh. deceased person to have their body
modern, fit-for-purpose legislation that
meets the needs of people living and “When we opened consultation, we split disposed of by an approved method,
dying in New Zealand. it into five sections: death certification and for the approval process to be
and auditing; regulation of the funeral established.
“Everyone will be affected by laws relat-
services sector; burial and cemetery “Death touches everyone, and by ensur-
ing to death, funerals, burial and crema-
management; crematoria, cremations ing this legislation is up to date, means
tion, so it's really important members
and the medical referee system; and new we can factor in New Zealand’s changing
of the public, and those working in the
methods of body disposal. attitudes towards, death, funerals,
areas of death, burials, funerals and
cremations, have had their say, and will “Some of the feedback looked at certify- burials and cremations.”
continue to play a part in the refresh. ing cause of death and improving death From here, the Ministry will prepare a
documents. There was support for having report summarising consultation feedback
‘In 2015, the Law Commission found the
a national system for registering funeral and brief Ministers on the consultation
current laws are outdated, overly specific,
directors and also for publishing prices – feedback. It expects to release a summary
and difficult to understand,” she says.
but also support for allowing whanau to of consultation feedback on the Ministry’s
‘We need modern, fit-for-purpose legis- undertake some role in the preparation website this month (www.health.govt.
lation for death, burial, cremation and of their deceased loves one if they wish. nz and search for ‘burial and cremation’).
funeral. The submissions we’ve received
“People were pleased with proposals to The Ministry will use submitter feedback
indicate this is an area which has invoked
remove some unnecessary duplication to help inform further policy development
a lot of feedback and passion from the
(e.g., for approving crematoria), although and will report back to Ministers on poten-
sector, and rightly so.
many people supported some controls tial policy proposals before the end of this
“As I say, everyone is affected by this over the disposal of ashes. There was year. If Cabinet agrees, they will approve
legislation. It’s incredibly important we also interest in the future of medical the preparation of new legislation (and any
get this right and we can update the referees, although submitters were split changes needed to current legislation).
legislation seamlessly.” between extending or reducing the role.”
The proposed legislation will then be
The consultation period was interrupted Dr McElnay says the changes must be introduced to Parliament. You can follow
last year as New Zealand responded to the considered and must be flexible enough, the progress of the Bill at:
COVID-19 outbreak. Despite that, interest not only to cater for the changes in the www.parliament.nz/en/pb/
in the submission process was strong. industry now, but also to adapt to future bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/
“We’ve had 194 submissions, of which 92 demands.
The Ministry says it will continue to work
were from individuals and 104 from groups “In refreshing this legislation, we’ve looked with the Funeral Directors Association as
or organisations (49 from funeral services at several factors around the general trends the review continues, but if anyone can
and 32 local authorities - the rest were in society, including people’s ever-changing make any comments or direct queries by
from other organisations such as DHBs). views on post-death decisions. email to:
“The Ministry will be publishing a “For example, people supported a burialandcremation@health.govt.nz
Issue 71, June 2021 | 5
TRAINING
FSTT: The New Normal, or
Time for the Mouse to Roar?
By Kay Paku, on behalf of the FSTT Trustees
INDUSTRY REVIEW ensured an all-encompassing ear-to-
the-ground. Mutual respect for the
An industry consultation meeting
expertise within each organisation
was held in December to look into
has been an unquestionable strength
the future of FSTT in the light of the
over the many years we have worked
Reform of Vocational Educations
together to pursue excellence in
(RoVE) review. It was believed the new
funeral service.
Community, Health and Social Services
(CHESS) Workforce Development The three legs of this stool have
Council would be in place early this provided balance, stability and
year, to “…take over essentially all of flexibility. Lop off one of the legs and
the current functions of FSTT”. you’re left with a wonky donkey.
Further weight was given to a call to IT'S TIME THE MOUSE
disestablish FSTT because “…it was
ROARED
not going to be a strong advocate for
Funeral Directors Association in the FSTT has been content to let Funeral
new environment” and “…it is too Directors Association, with the loud-
independent and not accountable est voice, speak for us. This works
enough to FDANZ.” when we’re singing from the same
song sheet.
This somewhat mixed message has
Our new normal is looking like resulted in a drive to establish a new Lately, it seems some of the lyrics have
business as usual over at the “collaborative one-voice industry been written in lemon juice, and we’ve
Funeral Service Training Trust practitioners funeral industry group” been slow to light a fire under them.
to be the voice to the Workplace FSTT and its supporters are
HQ. For now, there is work to
Development Council (WDC). concerned that if a one-industry
be done, and we are getting on group is formed only of delegates
with the business of doing it. We THREE LEGS GOOD, TWO from Funeral Directors Association,
continue to assess and approve LEGS BAD NZEA and NZ Independent Funeral
In recent years, it appears the Homes, the 500-odd individual prac-
training-hour credits, and to
understanding of an equal partner- titioners, and non-members of these
progress the Open Polytechnic’s ship between the Funeral Directors organisations will not have a voice.
development and delivery of Association, the Embalmers It is time the mouse roared.
both the Funeral Directing and Association and the Funeral Service
Training Trust has been lost.
Embalming diplomas. FSTT’s independence
This magazine has long been a
triumph of the tripartite nature is its strength. With its
of the three organisations: FDANZ focus on the professional
championing funeral companies, development of individ-
NZEA championing embalmers, ual funeral directors and
and FSTT championing education
embalmers, it is the only
across the funeral industry. We have
worked well together, each recognis- one of the three organi-
ing the others’ strengths. Our core sations able to speak for
structures, staffed by passionate the whole industry.
funeral industry volunteers, have
6 | FUNERALCARE MAGAZINE
Like it or not, we are an industry, and at a higher level than ITO’s, therefore quietly. We believe this mouse should
not yet a profession. The essential there is still a need for an indepen- take a last opportunity to roar.
difference between the two is in dent qualification developer.”
representation: a profession recog- The primary function of the CHESS
nises a group of qualified people; It IS time for change. It
WDC will be planning across the 39
an industry advocates for a group of classified industries it represents. is time individual funer-
member companies. One of its functions is to cull the al directors had a voice.
So, in the loudest voice we can number of qualifications and to We cannot rely upon the
muster, we are questioning the mixed move to a generic qualification WDC to be that voice. If
message around the disestablishment model. It will focus on employ-
ment-related needs driven by
we do not have an advi-
of FSTT. Are we not needed because
unemployment statistics and the sory group to represent
the WDC will take over our functions,
or are we not wanted because we needs of job-seekers, with a regional individuals working in
don’t represent industry? economic focus. funeral service, we have
None of which sounds either not found the right voice.
WILL THE WDC REPLACE relevant, or adding value to, our
FSTT? industry. To be clear, the WDC will Should we establish a new one-in-
Will the WDC take over our func- not pick up the functions FSTT dustry group?
tions? Not any time soon, at least. currently carries out on your behalf:
moderation, brokerage, qualification As British theologian Benjamin
An interim establishment board (IEB) Jowett stated, “The way to get
development, or training delivery
has been formed to create the WDC. things done is not to mind who gets
quality assurance.
The IEB is not confident the WDC will the credit for doing them.” And we
be up to full strength before October. DOES FSTT REPRESENT don’t mind. You may choose to form
Given that it is now June, and the INDUSTRY? another group. Or you may choose to
WDC has not yet been established, put your support behind a group of
For now, FSTT has a mandate to
we can expect that timeframe to be independent, passionate volunteers
continue until the WDC is up and
further pushed out. working to promote excellence in
running. We have said that if voted
In a meeting with FSTT in March, the off, we would go gracefully. That funeral service. Their name is the
IEB clarified the WDCs would “…work doesn’t necessarily mean going Funeral Service Training Trust.
Issue 71, June 2021 | 7
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
The joys of advocacy
By David Moger, CEO, Funeral Directors Association
I would actually hate to think of the number. In advocacy circles, this is
amount of time, energy and effort a very rare event and we have been
the association has put into this over asked by many other organisations
the past year, and I say association how we achieved it because they are
because it hasn’t just been me, as very keen to replicate it.
CEO, wandering the corridors of
power to make them see sense. We
VACCINATION PROGRAMME
have had involvement across the However, advocacy is not a space
association from all those members where one success guarantees
who wrote to their local MPs as another and, despite our success,
we campaigned for an increase in what we weren’t able to replicate
numbers attending funerals, to the was changing the Government’s
National Office team working the mind on the priority of our
messages into each email and conver- members in the vaccination rollout
Advocacy is considered one sation, and the direct involvement of programme.
of the most difficult parts of both Gary Taylor and me, President Our argument for this is, of course,
the role of any membership and CEO, in front of everyone we can clear and compelling, and indeed it
think of – from Select Committees, is for us because we live and breathe
association by those involved
Ministers, MPs and bureaucrats at all it. It is so obvious to us why the
in it, but from a membership levels, up to and including Dr Ashley Government should bring us up the
perspective “how hard can Bloomfield himself. priority list, because our members
it be?” We have had some major successes, work alongside others who are high
including access to Government PPE on that list on a daily basis.
In the same way funeral directing
looks like a cushy role from the supplies, the group travel exemp- If you look at the Government’s list
outside because all the funeral direc- tion and, of course, forcing the of criteria for Group 2, it is clear our
tor does is wear a nice suit, drive a Government to change its position members work in long-term residen-
nice car, and walk slowly in front of on the number allowed to attend tial care environments because they
a casket as it is carried out, advocacy funerals. This was done within 48 are in and out of aged-care facilities
looks like an endless cycle of meeting hours of the initial Government every day. Indeed, the risk of spread-
with supposedly important people at announcement and after the Prime ing infection is even greater as they
different events so we can get what Minister publicly doubled down on work in multiple facilities, going from
we want. her determination to stick to that one to the other.
And because we look at it from our
own perspective, it is obvious what-
ever we want to advocate on makes
perfect sense, so why would they
not listen and do what we ask? From
our perspective it’s a “no-brainer” so
how hard can it be?
ADVOCATING FOR OUR
MEMBERS
We have had some recent issues that
are good examples. One top of mind
is the issue of advocating for our
members during COVID-19.
8 | FUNERALCARE MAGAZINEWe continually made this and a nutshell, he said we would not be we have, and from the bureaucrat’s
other points through a whole raft moved up the priority list because perspective it makes perfect sense.
of channels into the Government. we were not on the Essential Health To us, it makes no sense, but from
These channels are constantly Service list. their perspective, everything is
changing as new teams are set up This then enabled us to press driven by their funding and control
regularly by the Government, and into that issue and ultimately his model around that list, so no matter
staff move in and out of them for all response was that we are not on how many doors we knock on or
sorts of reasons, from operational that list because he does not have conversations we have, that is not
requirements to mental wellbeing. control over us. Because we do going to change unless the funding
This seems to happen with amazing not get funding via the Ministry of model changes, and our members
frequency, and we then have to Health, he cannot control what we are then subject to direct MoH
start again from scratch to explain do and therefore we cannot be on control. Given this position, we then
the basis of our argument to yet that Essential Health Service List and had to decide, so what now?
another new person in a position of because we are not on that list, we Our option was to hit the big red
authority. are denied the priority status. button and go to the media – to
CLEAR AND COMPELLING let the public know how ridiculous
THE ‘AH-HA’ MOMENT this is and seek a change by weight
We knew our arguments were clear That was the “ah-ha” moment. For of public opinion. It worked when
and compelling, but it was becoming the first time, we had the official we used this approach to force a
more and more frustrating as we explanation from the chief bureau- change in Government policy on the
were batted from one department crat as to why we have had to work numbers allowed to attend funerals,
to another, and one bureaucrat to so hard in this space to achieve what so why not use it again? We decided
another without seeming to get any
traction.
The official position kept coming
back as no, you don’t fit the criteria.
What was even more frustrating
was we began to get reports from
around the country that local health
authorities were seeing the sense of
vaccinating members and so were
ignoring the Government’s official
policy and doing it anyway.
This then brought us to addressing
Dr Bloomfield himself directly on the
issue as the highest authority and, in
Issue 71, June 2021 | 9not to for a number of reasons.
Would it actually work?
First, would it actually work? Could we
go up against the age-old bureaucratic
government funding mechanism and
force a change to that to enable us to
get onto the Essential Health Service
list, and could we do it in enough time
to make a difference? We concluded no.
Secondly, what might the unintended
consequences be? MoH are the lead
government agency for the Burial
& Cremations Act review and we
have invested significant time and stage was it the right decision? At In many ways this shows that advo-
energy into engaging with them in this point it seems so. cacy is much like a CIA spy thriller,
that process. In big-picture terms, where you have no real idea who
Fortunately, we are still free of
that piece of legislation is the one knows what and what the real driv-
any community cases of COVID-19
that sets the environment within ers are behind the various views and
so our members are not currently
which all our members operate and behaviours that those in positions of
exposed. Since making the decision
will continue to do so for the next power have and exhibit.
not to fight on, we have had further
50 years, and so we concluded if
we “went to war” with MoH on the engagement with MoH on the Burial CREATING CHANGE FOR
and Cremations Act review and as a
vaccination issue, we could compro- MEMBERS
mise the strong position we have result they came to our conference
in Napier to update the membership What I do know is that as per our
achieved with them in this process.
on what we believe was a very national objective on advocacy,
We applied the ancient wisdom of we will continue to represent our
positive change in their position as a
Sun Tzu in ‘The Art of War’ where he members on any issue that impacts
result of our advocacy.
said, “He will win who knows when on them, to create change that
to fight and when not to fight.” At Finally, the Government has
benefits our members and hence the
the time it was a hard decision to just announced the vaccination
families they serve.
make because we totally believed in programme is being delayed because
our argument and the justice of our of a lack of supply of the vaccine. That list of issues currently includes
cause to get our members protected Only history will tell if that was known the Burial & Cremation Act review,
by early vaccination. to them when we were advocating mortuary wastewater, the WINZ
with them to include our members grant, and all ongoing aspects of
WAS IT THE RIGHT earlier on the programme and they COVID-19. I know more will arise
DECISION? stuck to their guns because they knew and our advocacy will continue to
So, looking back even at this early they didn’t have enough anyway. be one of, if not the largest and
most important of all our benefits to
members.
From a national perspective, we can
devote the considerable amount of
time and energy necessary in the
advocacy space that our members
could not afford to do individually
and thus create the change that
benefits our members.
Are we always successful? No. Is it
always an enjoyable experience?
No. Is it a critical part of our associ-
ation? Yes, and we are fully commit-
ted to it.
10 | FUNERALCARE MAGAZINEFREE
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Association Members
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assist you in promoting to your families the
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Email info@funeraldirectors.co.nz to
order yours todayConference
Another momentous
occasion
The Funeral Directors Conference was a momentous
occasion once again as we all descended into Napier
for this year’s edition take 2.
By Bradley Shaw
12 | FUNERALCARE MAGAZINEAfter being so close yet so far away from the March meeting, I
think this conference was one of the best yet! It had been a long
while between drinks, friendships, and laughter among friends,
and what a way to do it in beautiful Napier.
First stop was a welcome dinner and with families, providing meaningful
drinks, art deco style, thanks to the value and guiding people into better
Wellington District, at the Masonic grieving journeys.
Hotel. With cocktails on arrival and a
The perfect follow-on after our
photographer awaiting we knew we
panel discussion was a mind-blowing
were in for a good night. It was great
insight into Funeral Stream and
to see everybody get into the art
Chapel Tech from Richard Martin of
deco spirit, and a big thank-you goes
Eagers Funerals who, when building
to Michelle Dunstall for all her hard
work in getting the evening together. his new chapel Te Henui, had a vision
of what he wanted to achieve. The
funeral experience Richard is provid-
ing the families of New Plymouth
and surrounding areas is second to
none and we are extremely grateful
he was able to show us that. I think
a lot of us left there wondering how
we can better enhance our chapels
to create something so meaningful.
AFTERNOON OF FUN
An afternoon of fun activities
followed, with a Napier prison tour
and escape room afternoon. Much
fun was had by all. However, I am
not sure whether there are still
people in there trying to escape. The
bus then delivered everyone to Crab
Above: 2019 Graduates: PANEL DISCUSSION Farm Winery for a tasting evening
Jarrod Dunweg, Jono and dinner. Prizes were given out for
Fast forward to Monday morning,
Gibson, David Turnbull,
and we started our day with a the fastest escape. Thanks to Return
Marco Vianello, Nicole
Hill, Heather Young, panel discussion from three very to Sender for the booby prizes.
Nicky Hockley informative speakers – Celebrants Tuesday morning it was back to the
Association President Lianne Fraser, beautiful Napier War Memorial &
Previous page: Official
delegate photograph Auckland Memorial Park & Cemetery Conference Centre on the edge of
General Manager Graeme Cummins, the Pacific Ocean for another day of
and Funeral Trust trustee and learning and networking.
association member Stephen Dil –
Our first session was from a great
about the new normal of funerals,
friend of the Funeral Directors
obviously with COVID changing a lot
Association, Registrar-General of
of things in the way we think about
BDM, Jeff Montgomery. He gave an
a funeral. This guidance showed
update on where they were at with
us a lot about ways we can engage
death documents, statistics on death
Issue 70, March 2021 | 13rates, and updates on death certi- the stage to receive their registra-
fication, and took questions from tions and equally to those who were
the floor. Many thanks to him for his unable to make the event. Your
time and we look forward to continu- efforts do not go unnoticed, and we
ing our working relationship. congratulate you all on furthering
your career in funeral service.
WASTE-FREE THINKING
On behalf of the Funeral Directors
Keynote speaker Brian Travers Association of New Zealand, thanks
captivated us all with his LEAN to all for your attendance, and we
Thinking Workshop, with delegates hope to see you at the 2022 confer- Below: Mark Chaafe of
hanging onto his every word, and Lucentt presents Nicky Hockley
ence from 28 February – 2 March in
rightly so. His way of thinking and with the Top Theory Student
Queenstown. Mark those dates in Award and the Supreme Award
effortless delivery had us all thinking your diary now! for Top Overall Student
about our own business’ and how we
could introduce waste-free thinking
into our daily lives. The table talks
and working groups gathered much
information, and we thank Brian for
providing inspiration and helping
change the way we think.
Finishing off the trifecta of great
speakers for the day was Sally Gilbert
from the Ministry of Health, and
Daniel and Tania from Allen & Clarke
Consultants. Some great work has
been done on the reform of the
Cremations and Burials Act, and it
was awesome to see the presenta-
tion of findings from the submissions
received. I was amazed at the
amount of feedback our members
at the conference gave to the team
working on this, and indeed the way
in which Sally and the team listened
and took in everything mentioned. It
is an exciting time in funeral service
for us to play a significant role in
shaping the future of our industry
and the delegates showed compo- Right: Dean Taylor:
sure and diligence in the way this Taylormade Caskets
was expressed to Sally, Daniel and sponsor of Gala
Tania. Dinner Entertain-
ment
RECOGNISE GRADUATES
After two great days of learning and
networking it all came to a close on
the Wednesday evening with the
Gala Dinner and Graduation. It was
great to finally recognise the efforts
of the graduates of the Diploma in
Funeral Directing from 2019, who
were not able to graduate in 2020
because of the COVID restrictions.
Well done to the seven who crossed
14 | FUNERALCARE MAGAZINELeft: The Board: Peter Giddens, Phillip Meyer, Gary Taylor, Andrew Malcolm, Rachel Benns, Richard Fullard Left and below: Delegates enjoying evening functions Issue 70, March 2021 | 15
SERVICE
262 years’ service
recognised at conference
Six funeral industry stalwarts were recognised at the Funeral Directors Association annual
conference in Napier for their collective 262 years’ service to New Zealand. Here are their stories.
MARK GLANVILLE, CHRISTCHURCH: 30 YEARS
In 1991, while looking for a day’s work experience through school, Mark got a job with the local
funeral director in Rangiora. This was by accident. He had no idea what a funeral director was.
The next day he started work and it dawned on him what they actually did! It quickly turned into
an after-school job and that meant money – he was buying a car! Freedom!
He started with the basics: car cleaning, gardens, toilets, front door, and casket trimming. Little
did he know he was beginning a career. After five years learning to be a funeral assistant and
embalmer, he began his qualifications in funeral directing, and at 20 was the youngest on the
1994 Funeral Directing course. In 1999 he and his wife moved to Davis Funerals in Auckland. But
after just four months and missing the South Island and their lifestyle block, they moved back to Canterbury. He had
learnt a lot, especially from Bob Russell. It was a risky move because there were no jobs going in Christchurch.
In 2000, while working late at night in the Waikuku Shell garage, he created a locum funeral business, which he oper-
ated for eight years, working for 11 brands and companies across the South Island. In 2008 he went full-time with
Geoffrey Hall and Simplicity Funerals. In 2013, when InvoCare purchased the Simplicity NZ brand, he transferred to
InvoCare as a senior funeral director, then as Location Manager for Simplicity Christchurch, operating as just a phone
number from John Rhinds’ building (Simplicity now has its own premises). Mark is the CWMN District Chair, and has
just joined the Funeralcare magazine Editorial Board. He can’t believe it’s been 30 years, but says he has enjoyed the
journey and is looking forward to the next 30 – apparently funeral directors work until age 75!
JASON MORRISON, WARKWORTH: 35 YEARS
Jason Morrison began his career as a funeral director in 1986 at the age of 22 when he joined Dil’s
Funeral Services on Auckland’s North Shore. After five years there, he decided to move to his home-
town of Warkworth to set up a funeral home to serve his local community. In 1991, Jason Morrison
Funeral Services opened and since then Jason and his wife, Nicola, have built a team that’s passionate
about people.
Over the years the business has seen people come and go, completed building restorations, and grown
with the town. He completed the National Certificate in Funeral Directing in 2000, gaining the Top
Student Award, and has continued to grow and develop the business. He is very thankful to the great
team he has today and still finds funeral directing a very satisfying career.
BARRY MCINTOSH, TAUPO: 40 YEARS
In 1981, Barry, at 19 years of age, moved from Taupo to Wanganui to see if Jim Forrest could 'sort him
out' by employing him. It was eventually proven it was like leaving a rabbit in charge of the lettuce
patch, as he met with a lot of the locals from Ratana village, learned a lot about the tangihanga and
where the Fosters Tavern & Bar was situated. After 18 months in Wanganui, he moved back to Taupo
and joined his parents, Ngaire and Graeme, in the business, then situated at Titiraupenga Street.
In 1998 they built the new Founders Complex at Rickit Street, and in 2011 he bought the company entirely
from his parents. Barry's wife, Kirstine, manages Taupo Funeral Services with their staff, with Barry now
stepping aside from funeral directing, though managing their privately owned crematorium. With 40 years
as a funeral director/embalmer, 30 years as a funeral celebrant, 16 years as facilitator of the Funeral Directors Association Peer
Support, and a mentor to many (especially those requiring grief support, or addiction recovery issues), he says he is satisfied and
content with his years in the profession and would repeat it all if he got to come back for a second shot!
18 | FUNERALCARE MAGAZINEPETER GIDDENS, CARTERTON: 40 YEARS
Growing up in a cemetery house in Gisborne where his father was the assistant sexton and later sexton, gave
Peter an insight into funerals from a very young age. He was inspired by the late Jim Evans and wanted to
drive that “big black car”. He left school at 15 and joined Williams & Kettle in their hardware/home appliance
department. He continued to show an interest in funerals and as a 16 or 17-year-old used to do phone sitting
for the Parker family. The more he did, the more interested he became, so he started helping with lifting, car
grooming, casket trimming etc. Trevor and Avice and the Parker family were a huge influence during these years.
It was about December 1980 when Peter believes he became useful and started doing more structured
part-time work for Evans Funeral Services, which included assisting in the mortuary and learning to embalm.
He would often work after hours for Evans while still working full-time at Williams & Kettle. In 1984, he moved to Palmerston North
as funeral director/embalmer with Trevor and Ruth Cotton at Robert J. Cotton and Sons, and it was there he met and married Jenny.
He completed the funeral directors course, and in 1990 they moved to Hastings to join Des and John Peryer at Tong and Peryer. In
1997 they purchased D & N Chew Funeral Directors in Carterton at a time where the Stewart Group were buying funeral homes.
Denny and Norma Chew were keen to see a young couple take over their business and did everything they could to make it work.
Peter has served the Funeral Directors Association at district level and is currently a Board member, having served seven years, two
as Vice-President.
PAUL DUNSTALL, NAPIER: 50 YEARS
In 1970, when Paul gained his driver’s licence at the age of 15, he began taking a more active role in
the family business, Dunstall’s Funeral Services, delivering flowers to the cemetery, doing deliveries to
the crematorium, taking families’ loved ones back to their hometown, as well as doing many of the
behind-the-scenes lacky jobs.
Before this, many jobs were completed after school, either taking the cremation papers to the
doctor’s on his bike or starting the company’s ash records, which he officially began in 1969. In 1974
he completed the second course of the funeral directors’ course at CIT. In 1978, on the death of his
father, he took control of the company and has continued to run it. He has been fortunate enough
to work with his family all his career: first, alongside his dad and his sister Noeline, who worked with the company for 50
years, then his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Katherine. He has continued to pass down the morals and ethics which his
father and grandfather instilled in him to all those who have worked for Dunstall’s.
He has seen many changes in industry, from 10-minute funerals where the minister was the only person to talk (yet never
spoke about the person’s life), to hour-long services which give a full representation of a person’s life with families taking an
active part in the celebration. Paul is well-respected in Hawkes Bay, and is now taking a more backseat role in the company.
While he will be a little grumpy to have the spotlight put on him, 50 years is a long time and deserves to be recognised.
GRAEME WATERSON, MATAMATA: 67 YEARS
Graeme started in the family business, Waterson’s Funeral Services, in Matamata, as a 17-year-old in
1954. His father, a qualified cabinet maker, had established it as a factory making furniture and
caskets in 1922 shortly after arriving from Scotland. He soon bought a hearse and advertised funeral
services in the local newspaper. Graeme began by polishing caskets his father would make when there
was a lull in the furniture-making business. The patterns are still hanging in the old workshop. When
Graeme’s father died in 1956, he and his brother, Ken, took over the business until Ken’s death.
A mortuary was built about 1980, and with the death of Tom Boyd of Boyd’s Funeral Services, Te
Aroha, they bought the business that still operates in Te Aroha and Putaruru. Some 10 years ago,
they sold the business to Ray and Pam Bestwick, but Graeme’s involvement in didn’t end there. He is still involved in
helping with arrangements and services for older members of the community. He also owns a headstone business. In
the entrance is a certificate awarded in 1936 stating they were members of the Auckland Province Funeral Directors
Assn and alongside is a 40 years certificate from the Association awarded to Graeme in July 1993.
Graeme is still remembered in Matamata for an article in the NZ Herald in 1988, entitled ‘New twist to death and
taxes’. It was an argument over the then newly introduced provisional tax, requiring businesses to pay tax on esti-
mated earnings. He paid his tax based on the town’s usual death rate of about 80, hoping it would be within the 10%
allowable margin. However, 103 died that year – up 25%. That was too much for the IRD, who sent him a penalty bill
of $961.20. The final penalty, plus interest, was $1362.09. Graeme said he was not quibbling with paying the extra
tax on the extra earnings, just with the vision he was expected to have: “They can’t tell me how many people are
going to die this year,” he said. “I suppose they can play God if they want to… I think they think they are at times.” It
was reported his relationship with IRD later returned to normal.
Issue 71, June 2021 | 19NZEA
How it all began: The birth
of the NZ Embalmers Association
With the 50th anniversary of the New Zealand Embalmers Association to be
celebrated over three days, from 28-30 October 2021, Funeralcare looks back
on those heady days of 1971. Here, in Part 1, Eric Maffey, one of the founding
fathers, in an article written in 2003, recounts the association’s beginnings and
we take a look at the minutes of that first meeting.
It was an idea whose time had come.
In May 1971, Alan Irvine and Peter
Strong addressed a circular to all the
qualified embalmers in New Zealand
in which they wrote that it had been
suggested, proposed, thought about,
discarded, and thought about some
more, to form an association of embalm-
ers in this country.
Most of us were already members of
the British Institute of Embalmers, but
what was needed, they suggested, was
a local group from which benefit could
be gained by all. To have an association
between those with a common interest
would be a definite advantage not only
to those involved, but also to the art,
Some of the founding members at the 40th Jubilee (from left): Peter Strong, Francis
science, and practice of embalming in
Day, Eric Maffey, Cedric Little, Alan Irvine
New Zealand. We would be able to share
and gain knowledge from each other,
thus improving the general standard, Those “founding fathers” were: Roger (Shirley, 1962; Day, 1964); Roger
while at the same time enjoying the Burgoyne (Wellington), Francis Day Burgoyne trained at and graduated from
fellowship of a united group. (Nelson), Lionel Griggs (Palmerston the New Zealand College of Funeral
North), Alan Irvine (Wellington), Science in 1969, and Stan Stout trained
SHARING OUR WORK WITH Cedric Little (Auckland), Eric Maffey and graduated in Canada.
OTHERS (Christchurch), Albert Marker
(Christchurch), David Morris Wellington), UNITE EMBALMERS,
As embalmers, they wrote, many of us Graham Shirley (Nelson), and Peter ADVANCE THE ART
worked alone, could easily fall into a Strong (Wellington).
rut, and so would relish the opportunity The aims and objects of the Association
of meeting and sharing our work with Not present, but accorded the status were:
others during the year. They proposed to of founding members were Jack Airton,
• to unite all embalmers in New Zealand
initiate this step in early October, when Harry Rollo, and Stan Stout (all of
with the aim of advancing the art,
we would all meet to decide just how Auckland).
science, education and promotion of
this association would function. Of the 13, four were graduates of the embalming in New Zealand
And so it was, that on the afternoon Lear School of Embalming, London
• to promote the best interests of em-
of Saturday, October 2, 1971, ten New (Marker, 1958; Griggs, 1962; Airton,
balmers in general, and of members
Zealand members of the British Institute 1963, Maffey, 1968); Harry Rollo
in particular, to promote high ethical
of Embalmers, sat at a table in the White graduated in 1953 from another school
standards and to foster harmony and
Heron Lodge, Wellington, and, as the in the UK; four were graduates of the San
understanding within the membership.
minutes of the day show, “ … after a Francisco College of Mortuary Science
short discussion, formed an Association (Irvine and Little, 1963; Strong, 1968; Rules of the Association were discussed at
under the name of ‘The New Zealand Morris, 1969); two graduated from the length and a final draft was approved. The
Embalmers Association’.” Harold Wigley School in Melbourne annual subscription was set at $5, as was
20 | FUNERALCARE MAGAZINEan entrance fee of $3 for each application course standard for them. Thirteen new New Zealand funeral service needed to
for membership. A resume of the forma- membership applications were accepted. radically improve its standard of handling
tion of the Association was forwarded for human remains, coupled with the belief
[Since then] NZEA has accomplished so
publication in the FDANZ journal, ‘The that people were entitled to a sanitary
much, having played an important role
New Zealand Funeral Director’. A Code of and natural appearance and that viewing
in the development and initiation of
Ethics was put in process. should be encouraged to assist people
so many advancements in the art and
in their grieving process. These beliefs,
It was agreed two meetings a year would science, amongst which can be recorded:
together with the need to be able to
be held. A ‘Half Yearly’ and an Annual • The development of an accepted guarantee the preservation of remains
General Meeting. The ‘Half Yearly’ would
training programme, and the estab- for transport on public carriers, were
be alternated around difference centres,
lishment of our school at the Central foremost in our minds as we formed
and the AGM would be permanently held
Institute of Technology this Association. NZEA never intended
in Wellington.
• The establishment of the Funeral Ser- to impose a rigid set of principles, but
At the conclusion of the business meeting, vice Training Committee rather to provide the forum to foster
a most enjoyable dinner was attended by growth and achievement amongst its
• Specialist training seminars conducted
all members and wives present. by overseas experts members, and to provide a lobby to the
industry and government agencies.”
PROOF OF PRACTICE FOR 5 • Initiatives in health and safety, and
the development of the Funeral Indus- The New Zealand Embalmers Association
YEARS try Code of Practice can stand proud of its achievements in
The Second meeting of the Association • Peer support programmes education and professional standards.
was held at the Grafton Oaks Motor Lodge, • The establishment of a Disaster Re- Truly, an idea whose time had come!
Auckland, on Saturday April 22, 1972. Eight
sponse Team.
of the original members attended, and
it was agreed to open the membership SERVED WITH GREAT 50TH JUBILEE
to holders of the FDANZ Certificate of
DISTINCTION PROGRAMME
Temporary Preservation who could furnish
proof of practising as embalmers for at The New Zealand Embalmers Association, • Thursday 28 October:
least five years. David Morris proposed in its role in the aftermath of the Mt Erebus Early Bird Dinner at St Johns Bar.
that an association newsletter be started. disaster of November 1979, served with • Friday 29th:
great distinction, gaining much recognition Seminar at Te Wharewaka Func-
The third meeting was held in Wellington
and praise from the authorities. Our team tion Centre. Evening - Founders
on October 28, 1972. Chairman Peter
proved the value of professional embalming Dinner, at Prefab. Everyone
Strong emphasised the need to plan
in a disaster recovery situation, to the welcome.
for the future and to pursue formal
extent that our procedures have been
recognition with the medical profession, • Saturday 30th:
included in the NZ Police Disaster Manual.
in particular with pathologists. A draft General Meeting at Te Whare-
Code of Ethics and a Certificate of Alan Irvine wrote in his foreword to waka Function Centre. Evening -
Embalmment for Transportation were the NZEA publication, ‘The First Twenty 50th Jubilee Celebration Dinner,
proposed. A letter had been received Years 1971-1991’, “Our Association was Te Papa.
from FDANZ asking NZEA to provide a formed out of the fervent belief that
Left: Page 1 of the minutes of the first
meeting
Far left: The circular to all qualified
embalmers
Issue 71, June 2021 | 21NZEA
Embalmers’ half-yearly
conference & AGM
By Kirsty Mehrtens
As this issue goes to print, NZEA has announced the result of the postal
vote for the vacant Executive position. The successful candidate was Jo
Renner, of Blenheim. We congratulate Jo, who was a graduate of the 1999
CIT embalming course, and brings more than 20 years’ funeral service ex-
perience to her role. We also acknowledge Hemi Mooney and Rhys Cleveland,
who put their names forward but were unsuccessful on this occasion.
requirements. The afternoon gave made and members voted to change
industry suppliers a chance to present to the weekend of 30 of October.
some of their products to members. Before the close of the meeting
A surprise guest was invited to come we heard from David Moger on
and say hello, and most of us will the Gisborne Council’s wastewater
remember former tutor Geoffrey update. A very civil meeting, which
Boon in the WelTec classroom finished in good time.
teaching us chemistry and biology. It
After having our half-yearly The final afternoon and evening was
certainly was a blast from the past! very social, with a busload of members
conference and meeting
Friday night socialising was at heading up to Daytona Raceway to
shifted to online because of Southern Cross Garden Bar which partake in some go-kart racing. The
COVID, it was nice to catch up consisted of more food and drinks. general consensus was that Jordan
The 50th AGM was held on Saturday, Goss (who organised the event)
and see fellow embalmers in a has been training on a regular basis
and President Geoff Botherway
social setting once more. welcomed the 34 members present and because he won all the races by very
13 on Zoom. Reports were read and large margins in true Scott Dixon style.
Half of us arrived in Wellington on
the Thursday, and after checking accepted, and with the secretary role Dinner was at Boneface Brewing
into the arty QT Hotel, we wandered recently vacated, Jordan Goss has taken Company before the bus returned
down to the rooftop bar called Dirty on the position and Kirsty Mehrtens everyone back to the QT for the oblig-
Little Secrets. We were lucky (?) to remains an executive member. With atory nightcap before we returned
reserve tables on the same night they Jordan’s position now available, it was home back to our jobs, our calling.
were hosting their Drag Bingo Night, decided nominations would be called Looking forward to the 50th Jubilee
complete with a very flamboyant host. and a postal ballot carried out if more where we hope to see more members
A fun night was had, though none of than one nomination is received. Mike for what will be a great occasion.
us called ‘bingo’ on any of the games. Wolffram spoke of the ongoing process
Friday was seminar day at Te of getting an embalming course up and
Wharewaka o Poneke on the water- running – no easy feat.
front, starting with English embalmer The discussion was had about THCs
Ben Whitworth on Zoom talking and their allocation and also look-
about his experiences of embalming ing at discussing with the Funeral
COVID cases, and sharing tips should Directors Association on aligning
we have an outbreak. with them on record keeping.
We then had Bryan Williamson from NZEA is 50 this year! And plans
Quality and Safety Management. for the jubilee hit a bit of a hiccup
Most companies have used Bryan’s when it was discovered Wellington’s
services for Certified Hander World of Wearable Arts (WOW) was
Certificates. He discussed health & to be held on the same date as we
safety and covered the importance of had booked, so a few quick calls to
companies and each individual’s legal TePapa to re-book another date were
22 | FUNERALCARE MAGAZINEYou can also read
