Careers
As we are an Association, we are not in the position to offer advice regarding recruitment or employment.
We can however advise you that there is no requirement to have a qualification prior to entering the industry however courses are available once you are employed in the industry.
We would suggest that you compile a comprehensive resume and submit it to funeral homes.
2026 Scholarships
Provided by: Kalandra Education Group
Kalandra Education Group are pleased to advise that there are 10 scholarships available, each valued at $500 for the New Zealand Diploma in Embalming Level 5.
Commencing August 2026. These scholarships are open to applicants who submit their applications before 1 June 2026. Email training@kalandra.ac.nz for more detailed information.
Education
Current Provider: Kalandra Education Group
In New Zealand there is one national qualification for embalming this NZQA approved Diploma in Embalming (Level 5) programme is designed for those working in the funeral services sector who will require practical skills to endorse their theoretical knowledge.
Graduates of this programme will be able work independently, safely and with a knowledge of health and safety of the embalming process, on a dead human body.
The types of theory covered in the programme include:
- Professional Embalming
- Mortuary Layout and Maintenance
- Science within the Embalming Process
- Preparation for Embalming
- Specialised Embalming
- Embalming Presentation
- Embalming Practice
At successful completion students will be awarded the New Zealand Diploma in Embalming (Level 5).
NZ Dip Emb Awards
The Top Overall Student Award is the highest honour given to a student who excels in every aspect of the embalming programme.
This award recognises an individual who demonstrates a perfect balance of theoretical knowledge, practical skill, and ethical conduct.
The recipient consistently achieves top marks in both academic and practical assessments, actively participates in class discussions, and serves as a role model for their peers.
Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence in all areas of study make them a standout in the field, earning them the title of Top Overall Student.
The Noel McNee Award is a prestigious honour bestowed upon the student who achieves the highest mark in their practical embalming examination.
This award celebrates exceptional skill, precision, and professionalism in the hands-on application of embalming techniques. Named in honour of Noel McNee, a respected figure in the field, this award recognises a student who not only demonstrates technical proficiency but also an outstanding ability to perform with care, confidence, and attention to detail under real-world conditions.
The recipient of this award exemplifies the highest standards of practical excellence in embalming.
The Top Theory Award is presented to a student who excels in the academic and theoretical aspects of the embalming class.
This award recognizes an individual with exceptional understanding and mastery of the principles, techniques, and science underlying the embalming process.
The recipient demonstrates critical thinking, a strong grasp of complex concepts, and consistently achieves outstanding results in assessments, tasks, and discussions.
Their dedication to learning and academic excellence sets a high standard for peers, making them a leader in the theoretical study of embalming.
The Citizenship Award recognises a student who exemplifies outstanding community spirit, professionalism, and ethical integrity within the embalming class.
The recipient, as voted by their peers, demonstrates a commitment to helping others, actively contributes to a supportive learning environment, and consistently upholds the highest standards of respect, empathy, and responsibility.
This individual goes above and beyond in their dedication to both their peers and the broader community, embodying the core values of compassion, service, and leadership in the field of embalming.
The Care and Compassion Award honours a student who consistently demonstrates exceptional empathy, kindness, and sensitivity in the embalming class.
This award is given to an individual who shows a deep understanding of the emotional and ethical responsibilities inherent in the profession, treating every case with the utmost respect and dignity.
The recipient is recognised for their unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care, both to those who have passed and to the grieving families they serve. Their actions reflect the highest standards of humanity and dedication in the practice of embalming.
Previous Awards Winners
|
1981/82 |
Laurie Rickard |
John Rhind |
|
1983/84 |
Graeme Rolston |
Gee & Hickton |
|
1985/65 |
Johanna Kinvig |
Hope & Sons |
|
1987/88 |
Rod Demler |
Jones & Company |
|
1988/89 |
Michael Hope |
Hope & Sons |
|
1990 |
Kirsty MacKenzie |
Guardian Funeral Home |
|
1991 |
Colin Bull |
J R Croft |
|
1992 |
Adriene Heremia, Mike Lucas |
John Rhind |
|
1993 |
Doug Wallis |
Lychgate Funeral Services, Gee & Hickton |
|
1994 |
John Thomson |
McDonald & Weston |
|
1995 |
Sarah Dandy |
Gee & Hickton |
|
1996 |
Ramsay Joyce Jnr |
Lagoon View Funeral Services |
|
1997 |
Stephen Dil |
Dils Funeral Services |
|
1998 |
No Award |
|
|
1999 |
Alistair Black |
Harbour City Funeral Home |
|
2000 |
Steven Hibberd, Kristopher Klier |
Beth Shan, Gee & Hickton |
|
2001 |
Hayden Cotton |
Robert J Cotton |
|
2002 |
Bridget Hoult |
Marsden House |
|
2003 |
Nik Straugheir, Fiona Harvey |
Ninness Funeral Home, Gillions Funeral Services |
|
2004 |
Clive Cooper |
Gee & Hickton |
|
2005 |
Barry Holmwood, Corinne Hillard |
Marsden House, Gee & Hickton |
|
2006 |
Alana Burtt |
Gee & Hickton |
|
2007 |
Kim Cornwell |
Jones & Company |
|
2008 |
Jenaya Pascoe |
Canterbury Christian Funeral Services |
|
2009 |
Trent Barton |
Harbour City Funeral Home |
|
2010 |
Mel Sparks |
Hope & Sons |
|
2011 |
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2012 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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2015 |
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2016 |
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2017 |
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2018 |
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2019 |
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No course provider 2020 – 2023 |
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2024 |
Rebecca Jones | Davis Funeral Services |
| 1990 | Kirsty MacKenzie | Guardian Funeral Home |
| 1991 | Ruth Manze | Lamb & Hayward |
| 1992 | Glen Mitchell | Te Puke Funeral Services |
| 1993 | Doug Wallis | Gee & Hickton |
| 1994 | John Thomson | McDonald & Weston |
| 1995 | Danny Langstraat | Harbour City Funeral Home |
| 1996 | Ramsay Joyce Jnr | Lagoon View Funeral Services |
| 1997 | Stephen Dil | Dils Funeral Services |
| 1998 | No Award | - |
| 1999 | Anthea Baxter | Davis Funeral Services |
| 2000 | Steven Hibberd | Beth Shan Funeral Directors |
| 2001 | Mark Baker | W Abraham Ltd |
| 2002 | Andrew Maffey | Hope & Sons |
| 2003 | Nik Straigheir | Ninness Funeral Home |
| 2004 | Brad Morris | Harbour City Funeral Home |
| 2005 | Carmen Stewart | Campbell and Sons Funeral Services |
| 2006 | John Franklin | Beth Shan Funeral Directors |
| 2007 | Kim Cornwell | Pellows Funeral Services |
| 2008 | Nichola Hayes | CHB Funeral Services |
| 2009 | Trent Barton | Harbour City Funeral Home |
| 2010 | Taina Savage | Legacy Funeral Services |
| 2011 | ||
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | ||
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | Jodie Hope | Hope & Sons |
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | ||
| No course provider | 2020 - 2023 | |
| 2024 | Rebecca Jones | Davis Funeral Services |
| 1981 | Michael Aro | |
| 1983 | Campbell Weston | Campell & Sons Funeral Services |
| 1985 | Ashley Beer | |
| 1987 | Rod Demler | |
| 1989 | Michael Hope | Hope and Sons Funeral Directors |
| 1991 | Neil Little | Davis Funeral Services |
| 1992 | Norm Murray | |
| 1993 | Craig Little | Davis Funeral Services |
| 1995 | Alasdair Lamb | |
| 2024 | Ellena Soper | Lamb & Hayward Funeral Directors |
| 1981 | Robert Laird |
| 1983 | Brenton Faithful, John Peryer |
| 1985 | Ashley Beer |
| 1987 | Bruce Hanrahan |
| 1989 | Nigel Greenwood |
| 1991 | Stephen Ramanof |
| 1992 | Wade Downey |
| 1993 | Craig Little |
| 1994 | Craig Kerr |
| 1995 | Murray Steans |
| 2024 | Paul Waters |
| 2024 | Jolani Garner | Campbell & Sons Funeral Services |