Our Team
The current Executive Team is made up of five qualified embalmers
who give their time voluntarily in these governance roles
President
Jodie officially joined the family firm Hope and Sons Funeral Directors in 2014, although she had been working various jobs for the business throughout her life. She completed a Diploma of Business, and a Bachelors Degree of Applied Management (double majoring in Human Resource Management and Event Management), before going on to complete her Diploma of Embalming in 2016.
Secretary
Kirsty has been a member of the New Zealand Embalmers Association since 2011 as a newbie student and understands how education is of fundamental importance to the families that we serve. Kirsty was initially voted onto the executive in 2020.
Treasurer
Jo joined the funeral industry in 1997 and attended CIT (in 1999) to study the award in embalming, this was the last class of the ’20th century’. After over 20 years in the funeral industry, Jo has been honoured to look after many family’s loved ones and she knows the importance of our role. Jo has always enjoyed seminars, learning new skills, and sharing knowledge with fellow embalmers.
Executive Member
Katie joined the Hope and Sons Funeral Directors in 2003. She graduated with a BSC from the University of Otago before going on to complete her National Certificate in Embalming in 2006. Her knowledge of science and love of crafting has helped look after deceased while ensuring that they are cared for with the upmost respect and dignity. Katie finds it a privilege to look after people’s loved ones at a very hard time. Katie joined the New Zealand Embalmers Association Executive in 2024.
Executive Member
Sharron started with Macdonald & Weston Funeral Director in 2012. Sharron had a lot of experience funeral directing from when she lived in Australia and believes the most important part of her job is listening & communication. Sharron obtained her Diploma in Funeral Directing in 2014 and her Diploma of Embalming in 2017. She achieved one of her dreams by becoming JP in late 2019. She sat on the Board of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand from 2021 – 2024, and was elected to the New Zealand Embalmers Associations Executive in 2024.