Central Auckland collection

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brent Daly

Funeral Home Caretaker

Central Auckland

Brent’s been with us for many years. Even after retiring from funeral directing, he’s still motivated to jump out of bed in the morning and be part of the Davis team. Therefore Brent is now our caretaker, working across all of our branches making sure everything is ‘ticketyboo’. Outside of Davis, Brent and his family work through the Salvation Army and can be found holidaying in their very special spot in the Coromandel.

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.

Rebecca ‘Bex’ Jones

Embalmer

Central Auckland

Bex moved all they way from Canterbury to join the Davis team at the end of 2020. She is committed to her role as a Funeral Director’s Assistant and admires the type of care that she sees within the industry. Bex is proud to be able to show that 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!

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.

Elbé Lutting

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Park Drive 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.

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.

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.

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.