Our people

Michael Powell

General Manager/Registered Funeral Director

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/Registered Funeral Director

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/Registered 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.

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/Registered Funeral director/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.

Sweehan Lim

Branch Manager – Registered Funeral Director
South and East Auckland

Originally from Malaysia, Sweehan 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

Josephine Vea

Branch Manager – Kohimarama

Eastern Bays

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.

Gaurav Biswas

Branch Manager, Henderson – Funeral Director

Gaurav combines compassionate client care with thoughtful operational leadership. Born and raised in Nepal, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in India before moving to New Zealand to study filmmaking. His career path took a significant turn while volunteering at a funeral home. This experience deeply intensified his empathy and desire to care for people, leading him to devote himself fully to the funeral industry in 2016.

Gaurav is highly regarded for managing daily operations, leading dedicated teams, and ensuring seamless, respectful service to the community. As a multilingual professional, he speaks English, Nepali, Hindi, Bengali, and Punjabi, allowing him to gracefully coordinate diverse, multi-cultural services. Outside of work, he enjoys music, movies, football, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Troy Rehua

Branch Manager – Henderson, Funeral Director and 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 roles the embalmer and funeral director play 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.

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

Registered 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.

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.

Jessica Cormack

Funeral Director

Central Auckland

I’ve spent much of my career in accounting and administration across a range of industries. In 2021, I joined the funeral industry and quickly realised I’d found the right path.

Losing my father gave me an even deeper understanding of how important compassion, care, and support are during difficult times. I’m passionate about helping families navigate grief with kindness, professionalism, and respect, while creating meaningful opportunities to honour and celebrate their loved ones.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my children, family, and friends, and making the most of opportunities to relax and recharge.

Sally Coleman

Funeral Director

Mt Eden

Sally joined Davis Funerals in early 2025, beginning a new chapter in her life after a career in the creative industries. Drawn to the way funerals help families honour their loved ones, Sally brings to her role a calm and wise combination of genuine empathy, gently timed humour, and her lived experience of deep care for family and friends at both ends of life.

Outside of work, she’s a proud mum to two girls and enjoys running with her dog, Flo, being #1 support crew for her daughters equestrian journey , and being with friends and whānau. She also keeps her hand in jewellery making, pottery and landscape gardening.

Stella Tither

Funeral Director

Mt Eden

Stella is new to the funeral industry and joined Davis in June of 2025 after returning to New Zealand from living in Canada where she worked as a ski instructor. Stella finds funeral director rewarding in many ways. Outside of work she enjoys skiing, reading, spending time with family and friends and loves doing anything that gets her outdoors.

Millie Laurent

Funeral Director

Mt Eden

Millie was born and raised in Taranaki on a small lifestyle block, she made the move to Auckland 8 years ago and hasn’t looked back. She’s held varied roles in her lifetime, from administration, to Luxury Travel Advisor, and most recently Graphic design. Wanting to give back to the community, she’s landed at Davis as a Funeral Director. Millie brings to her role a deep level of empathy and her ability to get on with all walks of life to help families through the most trying of times.Outside of work you will find Millie painting, or indulging in the sport of MMA.

Emma Skudder

Funeral Director

Mt Eden

I am compassionate and an empathetic person, who is strongly committed to supporting people during some of life’s most difficult moments. My background in early childhood education has given me a strong foundation in care, patience and understanding the importance of emotional support. My interest in funeral directing grew from caring for my great-grandparents in their final stages of life, an experience that shaped my desired to provide comfort, dignity and guidance to others during time off loss. Outside of work, I enjoy reading novels and attending Speedway.

Michael Huang

Funeral Director

Mt Eden

I have a background in hospitality, holding a qualification in the industry, which has given me a strong foundation in customer service and looking after people’s needs.

I spent eight years working overseas in the exporting industry before returning to New Zealand in 2014. Since then, I have gained experience across the retail and construction industries. Through these different working experiences, I have learned the importance of good communication, understanding people’s needs and, above all, building and maintaining trust.

As a Funeral Director, I believe that every family and every farewell is different. Losing someone close is never easy, and I feel it is important to take the time to listen, show compassion and guide families through the arrangements with care, patience and understanding. My aim is to make the process as comfortable as possible and ensure families feel supported every step of the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active and making the most of my free time. My interests include golfing, cricket, touch rugby and kayaking. I enjoy the friendships, teamwork and outdoor experiences that come with these activities.

I believe being genuine, approachable and treating people with respect goes a long way. These are values I hold close in everyday life and bring with me in my role as a Funeral Director.

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.

Miyuki Rea

Funeral Director’s Assistant

Mt Eden

Before starting at Davis in 2024, I was a florist for 10 years. I specifically wanted to be in a role where I was helping people. The Funeral Director’s assistant position allows me to do that and it’s an honour to be part of bringing people into our care once they have passed.
Outside of work, I enjoy movies and documentaries and hold a special place in my heart for Greyhounds.

Emmy Lou Monty

Funeral Director’s Assistant

Mt Eden

After traveling abroad, upon returning to New Zealand, I wanted to engage in work that felt rooted in purpose, which is how I found my way to Davis. Being a member of the team is a fulfilling, rewarding and motivating experience made greater in the knowledge that families are cared for and supported in a time of loss. Outside of work I enjoy finding new coffee spots with friends, spending time with family and nature walks.

Tubruq Upoko-Doyle

Funeral Director’s Assistant

Mt Eden

Tubruq graduated school at the end of 2024 and joined the Davis Team in October of 2025. Tubruq wanted to work at Davis because he has a passion for helping people in need. He has found that one of the things he likes best is working with the Davis team.

Mel Dobbie

Funeral Director’s Assistant

Mt Eden

Mel is a mum of four children and also a grandmother. I joined Davis as I wanted to do something different that makes a difference and possibly helps others.

I very much enjoy working at Davis Funeral care as they have very high standards and always show care and compassion towards family’s that have lost loved ones.

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 .

Rita Patricio

Graphic Designer

After many years in advertising and design, Rita was looking for a way to use her creativity for something that felt more meaningful, which brought her to Davis Funerals. She loves knowing that the work she creates can help families remember and celebrate someone they love. Outside of work, she enjoys nature and street photography, getting lost in a good film, and going for long walks whenever she can.

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.