Our people

Michael Powell

General Manager

Central Auckland

Following a lengthy global corporate career, Michael returned to New Zealand in 2016, and seized the opportunity to join the Funeral Service industry, an industry which nearly became a career for him when he was much younger. Michael considers his current role an honour; leading the dedicated and talented team at Davis and ensuring that at all times we deliver meaningful service and support to families when it is most needed, as well as ensuring Davis continues its proud support and sponsorship of community programmes and organisations across the greater Auckland area. Michael holds the National Diploma in Funeral Directing.

Roz Williams

Operations Manager

Central Auckland

Roz first became involved in the funeral profession in 1999. In 2001 she and her husband Martin opened their own funeral home in South Auckland where in she gained the National Diploma in Funeral Directing. In 2018 Roz joined the Davis Funerals team. Roz finds helping families at such a challenging time, both fulfilling and rewarding. Outside of work she loves to read and spend time with family and friends.

Dani Noyer

Administration Team Manager/Funeral Director

Central Auckland

Dani started in the funeral industry in 2017 and instantly knew that funeral directing was her calling. She finds it very special to work alongside families at the most delicate of times. Outside of work, being a mother of 2 keeps her very busy but she still finds time to enjoy her friends and other family as well as watching league and listening to music.

Ayrton Rautenbach

Training and Logistics Manager

Central Auckland

Ayrton began his career in South Africa in 2009 after a long family history within the industry. He arrived in New Zealand in October 2019 and joined the Davis team in January 2020. Supporting families and providing the highest level of service every time are two things Ayrton is committed to. Outside of work, Ayrton enjoys golf, rugby, cricket and spending time with his fiance Caitlin.

Karen Earl

Marketing and Creative Design Services Manager

Central Auckland

Karen joined the Davis team in October 2019, excited to have the opportunity to combine marketing with her long time interest in the funeral industry. Being able to inform families and showcase the services that Davis has to offer is something Karen is proud of. In her spare time Karen enjoys live music as well as spending time with her husband and teenage children.

Aaron Gray

Mortuary Services Manager and Embalmer

Central Auckland

Aaron has been a funeral director and embalmer for over 25 years. He’s worked in New Zealand and overseas and in both family and corporate owned businesses. For Aaron, his work is all about making a painful experience a little easier. Outside of work Aaron enjoys music and family holidays.

Swee Han Lim

Branch Manager – Pakuranga/Funeral Director

East Auckland

Originally from Malaysia, Swee Han has been with us since 2015. Before then, he was working in the estate planning industry for 20 years. He found a home at Davis because it represents his core beliefs of integrity, honesty and empathy. He is married to Natalie who is a School Teacher. Between them, they have 3 sons. He has been living in Pakuranga/Howick area since 1996. In his spare time, he enjoys catching up with family and friends, sports, cooking, baking, movies, music and looking after the family’s two dogs and nine cats

Andrea Alston

Branch Manager – Henderson/Funeral Director

Central Auckland

Andrea has been involved in a number of varied roles throughout the years from being a mum to three amazing teenagers to town planning, living in London and working in the financial sector to establishing her own baking business. Andrea thrives on the interaction you get when helping people. She has always gained great satisfaction in being involved with events and giving back to the community. After losing her father she saw the importance of having the right person to help manage and navigate through a challenging and, if done well, a rewarding time. This was the catalyst for her move into the funeral industry. Andrea is now the branch manager of our Central Park Drive branch.

Troy Rehua

Branch Manager Papatoetoe/Funeral Director/Embalmer

Central Auckland

Troy was introduced to the funeral industry through a school work experience programme. He joined us in 2012 and since then has held a range of roles. He’s proud of the role the embalmer plays in the funeral service and thinks upholding the dignity of those who pass is of utmost importance. Outside of work, he loves to grab a beer with mates, fishing and spending time at the family farm in Rangiriri.

Cristina Leitao

Branch Manager Kohimarama/Funeral Director

Eastern Bays

Cristina was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal and moved to NZ in 2008. She’s held varied roles in her lifetime, from spatial design, event catering and hospitality to volunteering at Playcentre and being a full-time mum to 3 children. She became the manager of our Kohimarama branch in 2024. Cristina feels it’s an honour to be working in funeral care and to be able to support families at such a difficult time. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family at the beach or in the garden, trying new recipes and listening to music.

Martin Williams

Funeral Director

Central Auckland

Martin joined the funeral industry in 1980 and has worked in many rolls from a locum funeral director to owning his own funeral home for 17 years. Martin joined us in 2018 and has been Branch Manager of Davis Funerals Papatoetoe and also our Kohimarama branch. Martin also holds a National Certificate in Embalming. Outside of work, Martin is a proud Freemason, rising to the position of Master of the Lodge 3 times. He is also a Justice of the Peace.

Shane Dormer

Funeral Director

Central Auckland

Shane started in the funeral industry in 1989 as a Funeral Director’s Assistant and has worked in Auckland, Whangarei, Nelson and Melbourne. Now after 33 years Shane is with Davis and based at our Central Auckland branch. Shane sees it as a privilege to be able to support families at one of their most difficult times and prides himself on making the process as simple as possible. In his spare time, Shane enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 adult boys as well as keeping fit and working out.

Irene Morton

Funeral Director

South Auckland

Irene started in the funeral industry in 2007, prior to that she worked in travel for 15 years. Irene has been involved in the Auckland District FDANZ for many years in positions of Secretary, Vice Chair and now Chair. Growing up in the country, Irene loves boating and the outdoors but also has interests in reading and genealogy, despite being kept busy by her husband, 4 children and 8 grand children! The three words Irene uses to describe her work are privilege, empathy and compassion. “Everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something, myself included”.

Tarsha Brind

Funeral Director

Central Auckland

Tarsha joined Davis Funeral Care in early 2023 after more than a decade in retail management. After experiencing the death of her brother, Tarsha decided she wanted to explore the funeral industry. She took a leap of faith and has never looked back. Families are at the heart of everything Tarsha does. She believes that funerals mark the significance of the life that was lived, help us to embrace the wonder of both life and death and bring together people who care about each other in an atmosphere of love and support. Outside of work, Tarsha likes to spend time listening to music, baking, walking, eating copious amounts of chocolate and spending time with her family.

Andrew Thompson

Funeral Director

Central Auckland

Andrew grew up in Auckland and has been in the funeral industry for 8 years in both New Zealand and Queensland Australia. He decided to become a funeral director after his Grandmother passed away and with the encouragement of his wife, hasn’t looked back since. His calm and caring nature, along with keeping families at the heart of everything he does, ensures he is both supportive and organised, relieving as much stress as possible in what can be a difficult time. Andrew is a devoted father to two children and outside of work he loves to spend time with them, his wife and all the other members of his family.

Josephine Vea

Funeral Director

Central Auckland

Born and raised in Avondale, Josephine joined Davis in 2023. The death of her father earlier that year inspired her to pursue a career in the funeral industry. Previous to that Josephine spent 7 years at the ambulance communication centre. Outside of work, Josephine enjoys spending time and having a good laugh with her husband and their 5 children.

Jessica Cormack

Funeral Director

Central Auckland

As a funeral director with a personal connection to the industry, Jessica brings a unique blend of passion and compassion to her work. Growing up in South Africa, she immigrated to New Zealand at the age of 15. After gaining experience in administration in various sectors, she made the transition to the funeral industry in early 2021.

Following the loss of her father, Jessica knew she had made the right decision to be a funeral director. With a deep understanding of the importance of empathy and professionalism, she helps families navigate the grieving process with kindness, respect, and care. Her natural ability to bring people together has become a hallmark of her practice, allowing families to come together to celebrate and honour their loved ones.

Outside of work, Jessica is a devoted to her children, friends and family. She can often be found cheering on her partner at softball games or enjoying a well-deserved nap after a busy day.

With her diverse background and personal experience, Jessica is dedicated to providing exceptional service to those who need it most.

Bruce Hendrie

Funeral Director’s Assistant

Central Auckland

Since February 2011, Bruce has been a part of the Davis team. He brings many years of experience, including time at National Bank. Born and bred on the ‘sunset coast’ of Waiuku, he has a wide range of activities that end in ‘ing’ that he participates in. From gardening, fishing and diving to hiking and hunting.

Amelia Mitchell

Funeral Director’s Assistant

Central Auckland

I joined Davis Funerals as a Funeral Director’s Assistant not only because of the outstanding team, but because I strive to support those who may feel lost or weighed down by bereavement. Outside of work you’ll either catch me at a car event or a coffee shop.

Dale Neil

Receptionist – Pakuranga

East Auckland

Dale is usually your first point of contact at our Pakuranga branch. Due to her own personal losses and having spent time with terminally ill children and their bereaved parents, she has an understanding and empathy with grieving families. She believes it’s a privilege to be of service to families at such a difficult time. Dale’s weekends are often spent being the team photographer at her grown children’s various sporting and academic events.

Denise Chandler

Receptionist – Kohimarama

Eastern Bays

Denise joined Davis a few years ago after spending 10 years as a full-time mum. Her varied work experience, which mainly involved working with people but also included time spent travelling and living abroad, set her on her career path of helping others in a rewarding and meaningful way. You will find Denise as your first point of contact at our Kohimarama branch. In her spare time, Denise loves going to the gym and using her creative side by painting and visiting galleries.

Joanne Vardy

Receptionist – Henderson

West Auckland

Jo came to Davis from a background in property and healthcare. Her interest in the funeral industry came form the opportunity to be able to assist & support families & give comfort whether its over the phone or at the front desk. This is something that Jo finds very rewarding. You’ll find her as the first point of contact at our Henderson branch. Jo’s Interests outside of work are family, friends, travelling and her two staffy pups Indi & Axl .

Caleb Wharton

Weekend Receptionist – Mt Eden

Central Auckland

Caleb is currently studying a conjoint degree in business and computer science at the University of Auckland.  He has a golden retriever named Molly and a huge love of football.  On the weekend, you will find him as the friendly face of our Mt Eden branch.

Elbé Luttig

Graphic Designer

Central Auckland

Elbè is a recent graduate from Yoobee School of Design. She has a passion for graphic design and helping others. She takes great care in her role when helping families as she knows that the funeral arrangements are an important part of farewelling a loved one. In her spare time Elbè likes to illustrate and play video games.

Rachel Dang

Graphic Designer

Central Auckland

Rachel joined the team at Davis mid 2022 and finds that using her artistic talent to help families create a lasting memory is extremely rewarding. When she’s not at work, Rachel spends time illustrating, meditating and doing yoga.

Rebecca ‘Bex’ Jones

Embalmer

Central Auckland

Bex moved all they way from Canterbury to join the Davis team at the end of 2020. Beginning as a Funeral Director’s Assistant, Bex then moved into the role of embalmer. In August of 2024, she completed her studies and graduated with the top over all award and top practical award – the prestigious Noel McNee trophy. Bex is proud to be able to use her skills to provide care and respect to the families she cares for. Outside of work Bex is a Youth Olympic Archer which keeps her busy most of the time!

Melissa Worsnop

Embalmer

Central Auckland

I joined the funeral industry because I love being able to help families in their most crucial time of need. It is the most rewarding type of work and I’m so proud to be part of the Davis team. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my cat Otis, creating art and adventuring in other countries.

Chris Jorgensen

Cremator Operator

Central Auckland

Christian undertook work experience in a funeral home during his last year of school. Once his education was complete, he joined the funeral industry for good. When he’s not working for Davis, Christian loves to travel. A Brit by birth, he’s been a New Zealander since he was 2 years old and is fluent in Kiwi-isms.

Rod Bradley

Cremator Operator

West Auckland

Joining Davis as a funeral director fulfilled Rod’s calling to the industry. During his career, Rod has worked as our Pakuranga branch manager before becoming the chapel attendant and cremator operator at Purewa Cemetery and Crematorium. He’s now returned to look after our Henderson branch crematorium. Rod deems it a privilege to be able to attend, in a dignified and caring manner, to this aspect of the funeral process for families.