Chris Jorgensen
From
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.
Melissa Worsnop
From
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.
Tessa Chen
From
Tessa Chen
Graphic Designer
Central Auckland
I started out as a graphic designer in the tech sector, then moved into freelance before joining Davis. I was drawn to the role because I wanted to use design in a way that feels purposeful and supportive during important moments in people’s lives. Outside of work, I enjoy digital illustration and photography as a way to keep exploring creativity in different forms. I’m also a gamer and I love playing indie or adventure/puzzle games with friends.
Rachel Dang
From
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.
Joanne Vardy
From
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 .
Denise Chandler
From
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.
Dale Neil
From
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.
Mel Dobbie
From
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.
Tubruq Upoko-Doyle
From
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.
Emmy Lou Monty
From
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.
Miyuki Rea
From
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.
Bruce Hendrie
From
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.
Millie Laurent
From
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.
Stella Tither
From
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.
Sally Coleman
From
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.
Jessica Cormack
From
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.
Tarsha Brind
From
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.
