Funeral Directors Association stands by Havelock North member firm
3 June 2025
The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand has come out in support of a member firm that is facing a last-ditch attempt by local residents to prevent a crematorium being built in Havelock North.
The crematorium which is being built by Terry Longley and Sons in an industrial area has received Hastings council resource consent. It’s assessed impact of ‘less than minor’ meant notification of the community was not required. A small group of concerned residents is now challenging the consent.
Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand Chief Executive, Gillian Boyes, says the member firm had gone to great lengths to find alternative sites and even though not required to consult had led a community meeting on the issue.
“Current capacity from local council facilities is nearing 100%, yet our member firm is getting criticised by a small minority for offering a service that meets a significant community need,” says Ms Boyes.
“The consent offers numerous community protections including strict conditions to ensure no smoke or odour comes from the cremator’s chimney. The facility being built has modern systems and is energy efficient, offering a significant improvement over older cremation technologies in the area.”
Ms Boyes says it is unfortunate the group opposing the cremator have described it as ‘distasteful’.
“Our member firms abide by the highest industry standards of ethics and care for families. Terry has displayed this standard to the whanau and the wider community that he is serving in his district and we fully support him in his efforts.”
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT:
Gillian Boyes
CEO | Funeral Directors Association
M: +64 29 200 8985
E: gillian@funeraldirectors.co.nz
The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand represents over 75% of funeral services across the country. Our members are trusted professionals who follow strict best practice standards, ensuring families receive care, transparency, and professionalism at every step. Choosing an Association member also gives families access to New Zealand’s only specialist complaints service for funeral directing.