V J Williams & Sons

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...

08/02/2026

Elsie May Linda Blundell
13.7.42 – 8.2.26
Peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Much loved wife of Bob (passed 2016) and cherished sister of Arthur Charlton. Special Mum of Ken, Shona, Billy (Roy), Tanya and Susie. Loved Grandie of Kristy, Sam, Beau, Kara, Kristy, Josh, Jess, Jordy and Shannon. Loved Great Grandie of Annie, Sylvie, Jhia, Declan, Wyatt, Quinn, Massey, Jacob, Zandar, Jack and Delilah. A service for Elsie will be held at St Luke's Anglican Church, Te Kuiti on Tuesday 10th Feb at 11 am, followed by private cremation. Live stream link here: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc3MDUyNjA5NDQwMDMyMyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Now at peace, forever remembered, forever loved 🩵
All communications to Blundell Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

03/02/2026

GOUGH Gwendolen Doris (Gwen)
Peacefully at Beattie Home on the 1st February 2026. Aged 93 years. Much loved and loving wife of the late Bernard (Dargaville). Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Andrea and Bryan Price; Simon and Pauline Gough. Cherished grandmother of her six grandchildren, Terri, Benjamin (deceased), Petra, Timothy, Regan, Lydia and four delightful great grandchildren. Special thanks to the staff of Beattie Home, Otorohanga for their dedicated care and attention to Mum during her three years with them. A private cremation has been held to be followed by a memorial service in Dargaville at a later date to be advised. Will be sadly missed and always remembered with love. R.I.P Mum. All communications to Gough Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

24/12/2025

Losing a loved one is hard. Grief can take many forms and may be challenging to navigate by yourself and can be especially hard at Christmas time.

If you or someone you know needs support with their grief you can find help and resources at https://www.griefcentre.org.nz/ The Grief Centre as an early-intervention mental wellbeing organisation offering support through grief companions. 🫂❤️‍🩹

23/12/2025

Ways to remember your loved one this Christmas.
Christmas can be a bittersweet time for those that have experienced the loss of a loved one, whether it was some years ago or very recently. Below are a few suggestions that may help you honour the memory of your loved one and acknowledge your grief this Christmas time.
🌺Visiting their grave or scatter site and laying a festive wreath can help you feel close to your loved one.
🌺Arrange a family walk along your loved one’s favourite route and share stories and memories on the way around. This is a great one for after dinner on Christmas day!
🌺If you’re hosting a Christmas meal, prepare your loved one’s favourite dish and make this fact known to your guests as you serve it.
🌺Set a place at the table or create a memory table that your family and friends can add a small memento to in your loved one’s honour.
🌺Light a candle and let it burn through advent and into the New Year in memory of your loved one.
🌺Plant a tree in their memory

21/12/2025

MORAN Cathryn Shirley (Cathy)
It is with sadness that we inform you Cathy Moran passed away peacefully on 20th December 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Loving wife and soul mate of the late John Moran. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Nathan and Sandy, Andrew and Lisa (deceased), Tim and Jeff. Loving stepmother of Gareth, Sarah, Ryan and their children. Adored grandmother of Taylah, Megan, Jacob, Zoe, Leah, Marley and great grandmother of Kora. Very special friend of Pauline and Dennis. Treasured friend of many. A service is planned for Saturday 27th December at 1.30pm at VJ Wlliams and Sons Chapel, 33 King Street West, Te Kuiti. Please join us to celebrate Cathy's life together. Tributes can be left on our website www.vjwilliams.co.nz/funerals-tributes. For livestreaming details please click on the attached link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NjM2NTg5MDM5Mzg2NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== In lieu of flowers, donations to Hillview would be appreciated and may be left at the service. All communications to the Moran Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

21/12/2025

🎄Tree of Rememberance🎄
We warmly invite members of the community to come and add a heartfelt message to the Tree of Rememberance. All welcome.

33 King Street, Te Kuiti - Weekdays 9am - 4pm

20/12/2025

A few weeks ago, we held our Annual Remembrance Service. We had a wonderful turnout and we would like to acknowledge those who attended and hope you found comfort and support.💛

We would like to thank Isaiah Wallace, Terry Bradley and the team at Hospice Waikato for their involvement with this year’s Remembrance Service.🕯

05/12/2025

SMITH, Lois Beverley, (nee Pennington) peacefully at home on Thursday, 4th December 2025, aged 82. Beloved wife of Ivan for 60 years. Treasured mother to Sue, Robyn, Steve and Joanne. Loved mother-in-law of Shelley. Cherised grandmother and great-grandmother. A Service for Lois will be held at St Bride's Anglican Church on Wednesday, 10 December 2025 at 11:00am followed by a private cremation. Lois loved her garden and bright colours. Please wear something bright. Donations to St John Otorohanga would be appreciated and may be left at the service. All communications to the Smith Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ