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.

Nzea Header Careers

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

Mortech Industries Supreme Award

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.

Noel McNee Top Practical Award

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.

Lucentt Top Theory Award

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.

Windsor Industries Citizenship Award

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.

Kalandra Care & Compassion Award

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

Noel McNee Award

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

   

2012

   

2013

   

2014

   

2015

   

2016

   

2017

   

2018

   

2019

   

No course provider 2020 – 2023

 

2024

Rebecca Jones Davis Funeral Services
Regal Supreme Award
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
Top Theory Award
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
Most Improved / Endeavor/ Citizenship Award
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
Kalandra Compassion and Care Award
2024 Jolani Garner Campbell & Sons Funeral Services