V J Williams & Sons

15/04/2026

A two minute read that may save your family hours in the future. We certainly found this thought provoking.

More and more families are discovering that memories stored online can be difficult to access after someone dies.

Emails, photo libraries, social media accounts, subscriptions - they don’t simply disappear.

A little planning now can make things much easier for the people you love later.

We’ve written a short blog explaining why your digital legacy matters and what you can do to prepare.

13/04/2026

COLLINS Margaret Grace
Passed away peacefully on Sunday 12 April 2026 in her 95th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Phil. Cherished mother of Marilyn, Chris and Philip. Nan to Brendan, Adelle, Kelly, Trina, Chloe and Ryan. Great Nan to seven Great Grandchildren. A private cremation has taken place. In accordance with family wishes a private family service will be held at a later date. Many thanks to the staff of Beattie Home Otorohanga. All communications to Collins family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

07/04/2026

What do funeral directors do during their weekends off? Sarah Snookes participated in a race along 90 Mile Beach organised by Born to Run Adventure Racing. This is a charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and repurposing the lives of miniature ponies. This is the world’s longest and only miniature horse race and was held over the Easter weekend. Covering 100km over four unforgettable days, this one-of-a-kind event was to raise funds for the welfare and care of miniature ponies. https://www.borntorunadventureracing.org

30/03/2026

BELL, Roderick Tiwha Mokonuiarangi (Tiwha),
Peacefully at his home in Te Kuiti on Sunday 29th March 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Aged 92 years. Beloved husband of the late Helen; loved and cherised father of Shane Moihi, Tina Kowhai, Edward (Gunner) Karutahi (dec), Vernice, Geraldine and Shannon. Treasured father-in-law and adored Papa to his many moko. Will be sadly missed by all his whanau, hapu and iwi. A revered leader and kaumatua of Ngati Maniapoto. A servant of the people. He kura i tangihia. He maimai aroha ki a ratou kua mene ki te po. Moe mai ra papa, i roto i te arohanui. Tiwha is lying in state at Te Tokanganui a noho Marae where tangihanga will be held on Friday, the 3rd of April 2026 at 11:00 AM. All communications to the Bell Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941.
VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

22/03/2026

Peter James Demchy
22 February 1951 – 19 March 2026
Passed away peacefully on 19 March 2026, aged 75 years.
Much loved husband and best friend of Susan.
Loved and respected father/in-law of Malcolm and Michelle, Aaron and Rachel, Lane and Sarah, Cara and Nik, Tasha and Byron, Luke and Theresa. Treasured Grandad to 19 and Great-Grandad to 4.
We warmly invite those who knew, loved, and respected Dad to join us as we celebrate his life. A celebration of his life will be held at the Piopio Memorial Hall on Tuesday 24 March at 1:00pm, followed by light refreshments. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

16/03/2026

MITCHELL Ailsa Florence
Peacefully at Hillview on 15th March 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Aged 86. Loved wife of the late John. Dearly loved mum of Julie and Wayne; Vicky and Kimbo; Pam and Gary; Syd and Jan. Loved by all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be sadly missed. A celebration of Ailsa’s life to be held at St Bride’s Anglican Church, Otorohanga on Wednesday 18th March at 1pm followed by private cremation. All communications to Mitchell Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

12/03/2026

Please be aware of the military funeral as per public notice that follows.

12/03/2026

TE KANAWA Ngaire Lorreen (Lu)
Nee Manawaiti, Keepa
Kua hinga he tôtara o te whânau
Kua riro tô mâtou mama aroha ki te po.
Haere Haere Haere atu râ
A great tree has fallen, our dearly loved
Mother who passed into the night.
Moe mai moe mai ra Mama.
Tangi details are as follows:
Sunday 15/3/2026, at 9am for karakia at 100 William Street, Te Kuiti, followed by a service at the Oparure Marae at 10am.
Mum will lay at home until Sunday, the day of her Tangi.
She will then be taken to Oparure for burial.
We welcome visitors.
Arohanui Graeme, Les, Anne, Ngaire, Huia, Dad (Tiwi) and whânau.
VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

12/03/2026

KATIPA-MAIKUKU Elijah Derek Pairama
On Saturday 7th March 2026, riding his bike at Foxton. Dearly loved son of Rob and Vivien. Adored brother of Jackie and Caitlin and their partners Simon and Daniel. Treasured friend to many. A service will be held at the Les Munro Centre, 8 King Street East, Te Kuiti on Sunday 15th March at 1pm followed by a private cremation. All communications to Katipa-Maikuku Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons Funeral Directors Association of NZ.

06/03/2026

Phil and Janene enjoyed a number of guest speakers at the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand annual conference last week. Dr Lucy Hone, a global expert of grief and resilience delivered a powerful and moving address, sharing her own intense loss together with resilience techniques. Her session was both practical and profoundly moving. Dr Lucy is a researcher, author and keynote speaker. You may have even seen her on 7 Sharp on Tuesday! And of course, Janene bought both her books! Find out more about Dr Lucy here https://www.drlucyhone.com

04/03/2026

The following article discusses an issue we are often asked.

Scattering ashes at sea can be a meaningful and symbolic farewell but it also brings cultural, legal, and ethical considerations to the forefront.

A recent RNZ article, The modern conundrum of scattering human ashes, includes insights from Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand CEO Gillian Boyes, Board Member Andrew Malcolm, and Board Cultural Advisor Larni Hepi, highlighting how memorial practices are evolving and the importance of cultural understanding.

Read more via the link in the comments...

28/02/2026

A very engaging guest speaker at the Funeral Directors conference we attended this week.

Understanding grief isn’t only important for adults, it’s something children will inevitably encounter too. In this insightful RNZ Nights interview, John Adams, former President of the UK’s National Association of Funeral Directors, discusses why grief education should be part of school curriculums and how equipping young people with the language and confidence to understand loss can strengthen resilience and emotional wellbeing.

We were privileged to have John Adams join us in New Zealand for the 2026 Funeral Directors Conference in Auckland (24–26 February), where he shared his expertise and passion for improving grief literacy. His advocacy in this space continues to add valuable perspective to the important conversations our profession leads.

Link to full interview in comments...