Willetts Funeral Services Ltd

Willetts Funeral Services Ltd Willetts Funeral Services Ltd,
HELPING CELEBRATE LIFE SINCE 1990 in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Our premises is located at 21 King Street, Kopeopeo, Whakatane.

Our company has a well-established and trusted name in the Funeral Industry. Willetts Funeral Services has been in business since 1990 covering the Eastern Bay of Plenty and New Zealand. Our Chapel seats 120 comfortably and for larger services we open up the back of the chapel, seating a further 100 people. The chapel is fully air conditioned and is spacious and comfortable with high quality sound equipment and a digital projector for photo presentations, an electric organ and video facilities to record the service. For family members that are unable to attend, We have available a live Funeral Streaming Service. Due to different reasons, sometimes family or friends may not be able to attend the funeral but now with the latest technology we are able to offer a Funeral Streaming service, the next best thing to being there. We are fully wheelchair friendly with a ramp at the rear of the chapel allowing access to the adjoining lounge, kitchen area and bathrooms. Our reception lounge and kitchen provides a place for light refreshments following the service. We also have two private family rooms.

Well that was a massive 24 hours for our community! We hope everyone has come through the cyclone unscathed and safely. ...
12/04/2026

Well that was a massive 24 hours for our community!

We hope everyone has come through the cyclone unscathed and safely.

It’s times like yesterday we truly appreciate the services that continue to happen in the worst times - no matter the weather. So a massive thank you to the emergency services, fire, police, and ambulance, as well as hospital staff, council workers, electrical line workers, arborists, security and anyone else who braved the weather to help out our community! We see you, and we are grateful.

Straker, Derek William (Des). On Wednesday, 8 April 2026, peacefully at Mountain View Rest Home aged 96 years.Dearly lov...
10/04/2026

Straker, Derek William (Des).

On Wednesday, 8 April 2026, peacefully at Mountain View Rest Home aged 96 years.

Dearly loved Husband of the late Kath.
Loved father and father-in-law of Derek and Deana, Bill and Adele, and Debbie.
Treasured Poppa of Jessica, Jaimie, Stacey, Hannah, Rebecca, Issac, Tara, Michael, Rhys, Shae and Tyllah. A treasured great poppa to many.

A private family service for Derek will be held, followed by burial in the Kawerau Cemetery.

Communications to the Straker family, C/- PO Box 2070 Whakatane, 3159 or online at willettsfuneralservices.co.nz.

Remembering Simon John CherringtonCherrington, Simon John. On Saturday 4th of April 2026, Simon known affectionately as ...
08/04/2026

Remembering Simon John Cherrington

Cherrington, Simon John. On Saturday 4th of April 2026, Simon known affectionately as Diga passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family aged 79. Loved and cherished husband of Annie Cherrington (nee Sutton) of 41 years. Loved dad of Simone Thomas, Megan and Waatene Te Aho, Kelly and Kevin Hamilton, Ani Cherrington, Michelle and Mana Cherrington/Ashford, and Grant and Rhonda Simpson. Cherished grandfather to 21 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Simon was an active member of the Whakatane Model Aircraft Club and the Whakatane Vintage Car Club. A man who loved speed and loud engines whether it be cars, bikes or boats and owned over his lifetime 24 cars and 23 motorbikes and many boats.

He will be sorely missed by those who loved him.

A special thanks to the team at Hospice for all the care and support they gave Simon and family.

It was Simon's wish to celebrate privately with family and friends and the family have held his service in Whakatane on Tuesday 7th April followed by a private cremation.

Communications to the Cherrington family, C/- PO Box 2070 Whakatane, 3159 or online at willettsfuneralservices.co.nz

https://www.willettsfuneralservices.co.nz/upcoming-services/ -funeral-notices/view-funeral-details2/69cc307b4e3ca40285749088/

MALLEN JulieOn Sunday 5th April 2026 (Resurrection Sunday), peacefully at home, surrounded by love, aged 68. Beloved wif...
08/04/2026

MALLEN Julie

On Sunday 5th April 2026 (Resurrection Sunday), peacefully at home, surrounded by love, aged 68.

Beloved wife and best friend of John. Much loved by her Baptist Church family, as well as her Friday night football team, and Occupational Therapy and Whakatane Hospital work colleagues. Special thank you to the amazing EBOP Hospice, Whakatane Hospital and Disability Resources Centre teams who cared for her so remarkably.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.

A celebration of Julie’s life will be held in the Whakatane Baptist Church, Keepa Road, Whakatane on Monday 13th April at 1pm followed by a private cremation.

Communications please to the Mallen family C/- PO Box 2070 Whakatane or online at willettsfuneralservices.co.nz

CHARLES ALBERT WILLIAM DRUMMOND (CHARLIE)With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charlie Drummond, aged 72 years.S...
01/04/2026

CHARLES ALBERT WILLIAM DRUMMOND (CHARLIE)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charlie Drummond, aged 72 years.

Sunrise: 21 September 1953
Sunset: 31 March 2026

Son of the late Ronald Joseph William Charles Drummond and the late Noelene Evelyn Roache.

Loved husband of the late Maria Drummond (née Enese), Maureen (née Brown) and
Te Roha (née Wanoa).

Father to Rachel and Chappy, Arthur and Lorraine, Charissa, Vaina and Whitney Lee. A proud and deeply loved Papa to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Charles will lie at 34 Sedgewick Road, Ōpōtiki, with expected arrival at approximately 6.00pm.

A service will be held on Saturday, 4 April 2026, at 11.00am, at the above address, followed by burial at Te Ranginui Cemetery, Woodlands, Ōpōtiki, at 12.30pm.

For those who wish to send koha, details are below:
Rachel Drummond
02 0488 0197555 000

Nau mai, haere mai whānau.

“A hunter. A gatherer. A provider.
The bush and the sea gave him stories and kai — places where he found peace, purpose, and a way to provide”

THORESEN Allan Barry,Suddenly on Monday 23rd March 2026 at his home in Opotiki, aged 64 years. Youngest child of Betty a...
26/03/2026

THORESEN Allan Barry,

Suddenly on Monday 23rd March 2026 at his home in Opotiki, aged 64 years.

Youngest child of Betty and Barry. Loving brother to seven siblings and a cherished uncle to many. Allan was a loving father to his daughters Jessie, Tegan and Kylie. He was also a cherished grand father to Maddie – Lee, Alivia, Logan, Noah and Samuel.

The family invite you over the weekend to his home in Opotiki to say your final goodbye’s before his private cremation on Monday 30th March.

Born in Whakatane, Allan lived a life deeply connected to the land and sea. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughter and the love he leaves behind.

All communications to the Thoresen family C/- PO Box 2070 Whakatane or online at willettsfuneralservices.co.nz

Lisa Rene Hinearoha MacDougall ‘Rene’Sunrise - 19/08/1970Sunset - 26/03/2026HE AITUA! HE AITUA!Taku manawa e kakapa neiE...
25/03/2026

Lisa Rene Hinearoha MacDougall
‘Rene’
Sunrise - 19/08/1970
Sunset - 26/03/2026

HE AITUA! HE AITUA!

Taku manawa e kakapa nei
E kakapa ana ki ngā whetū
Ki te marama ka tau kai te rua
Kātahi nei au ka kite i te hē
Kātahi nei au ka kite i te mate
Ko taku tau kahurangi tēnei
Kua riro kai Paerau
Ki te huihuinga o te kahurangi
Ka oti atu ai e.

Kua hinga te tōtara i te wao nui a Tāne.
Kua riro atu tō mātou tuahine, a Rene.
He uri nō te whenua, he puhi nō Te Kohu, he tētēkura nō ngā hapū o Hāmua, Te Whakatāne me Te Pahipoto.

Kua ngū te reo o te mareikura, kua riro Ki tua o te ārai.

Whakapapa Connections:
Ngā Iwi: Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Te Aupouri, Tūhourangi

Tangihanga Details:
Te pō nei ka takoto a Rene ki te Lodge (30 McKenzie St, Tāneatua) mō te kotahi pō. Hai te Paraire 27th, ka heria ki
Kōkōhinau Marae 10am. Ko te rā nehu hai te 28 Māehe (Rāhoroi), ki Kōkōhinau urupā.

Service Times:
•11am, Saturday 28th March - Karakia - Kōkōhinau Marae

Haere atu rā e te tuahine, Haere ki ō mātua tīpuna e tatari mai ana i te tatau o te pō. Okioki atu rā i roto i te rangimārie.

Koha Details:
R Witeri
03-0490-0121525-25

MCINTYRE, Colleen Dilys (Lucy). On Monday, 23rd March 2026, peacefully at Mary Shapley Care Home, aged 82 years. Loved m...
25/03/2026

MCINTYRE, Colleen Dilys (Lucy).

On Monday, 23rd March 2026, peacefully at Mary Shapley Care Home, aged 82 years.

Loved mother of Leon and Dylan. Treasured grandmother of Bryant, Pfiefer, Livingston, Gustav. Loving sister of David.
Member of the Rangimarie Maori Arts and Crafts Society.

A special thank you to Mary Shapley for their care and support.

You're warmly invited on Monday 30th March for a viewing anytime between 9am and 11am to pay your respects and final goodbyes to Lucy at Willetts Funeral Services, 21 King Street Whakatane prior to her private cremation.

Communications to the McIntyre family, C/- PO Box 2070 Whakatane, 3159 or online at willettsfuneralservices.co.nz.

BILYARD, Judith Anne – passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday 25th March 2026.You will always be in our h...
25/03/2026

BILYARD, Judith Anne – passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday 25th March 2026.

You will always be in our hearts and memories.

Loved wife of Alan.
Cherished mother of Raymond and Helen; Steven and Lisa; and Daniel and Geoffrey.
Loving Nana to Hayley, Natalie, Naomi, Jenna, and Charlee.
Dear sister of David, Mervyn, Kevin, Evelyn, and Cheryl.

For those who wish to visit Judith and pay your respects please contact Willetts Funeral Services 07 3071111 to make an appointment.

A service to celebrate Jude’s life will be held at Willetts Funeral Services, 21 King Street, Whakatāne, on Monday 30th March, at 2.00pm, then burial at Hillcrest Cemetery, Ohope Road, followed by a private family wake.

Communications please to the Bilyard family, email daniel_bilyard@windowslive.com or online at willettsfuneralservices.co.nz.

In lieu of flowers, donations to EBOP Hospice would be appreciated. The family sincerely thank EBOP Hospice, St John, and Whakatāne Hospital for the special care provided.

Forever in our hearts.

New in stockWe’ve just added this beautiful hand-carved white casket to our range.With its detailed carving and classic ...
24/03/2026

New in stock

We’ve just added this beautiful hand-carved white casket to our range.
With its detailed carving and classic drop-down silver metal handles, it’s a distinctive and elegant option for families wanting something a bit special.

If you’d like to pop in and have a look, or just want to chat through options, you’re always welcome.

Our team is here to help whenever you need us.

McNIVEN Stewart Russell ‘Stu’. On Saturday 21st March 2026, peacefully at home after a long, hard-fought battle, aged 7...
21/03/2026

McNIVEN Stewart Russell ‘Stu’.

On Saturday 21st March 2026, peacefully at home after a long, hard-fought battle, aged 75.
Loved dad of Stewart, Sean, Ingrid and Aleisha. Adored granddad of Danielle, Kyla, Lachie, Hadley, Connie, Eva and Aaron.

Special thanks to the angels at EBOP Hospice for their exceptional care and support. Please consider making a donation in lieu of flowers to them at EBOP Hospice C/- PO Box 275, Whakatane or may be left at the service.

A celebration of Stu’s life will be held in the Whakatane Crematorium Chapel on Wednesday 25th March at 11am followed by a private cremation. Communications please to the McNiven family C/- PO Box 2070 Whakatane or online at willettsfuneralservices.co.nz

Remembering Maurice Charles Anderson (Morrie)Anderson, Maurice Charles (Morrie). On Tuesday, 17 March 2026, peacefully s...
18/03/2026

Remembering Maurice Charles Anderson (Morrie)

Anderson, Maurice Charles (Morrie). On Tuesday, 17 March 2026, peacefully surrounded by family at Whakatane Hospital; aged 87 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Ailsa. Loved father of Michelle, Tracy and Bronwyn. Loved grandad of his 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Dad left us with love and lots of memories and is peacefully sleeping awaiting the resurrection.
A special thanks to those who cared for Dad at Golden Pond and the kindness of the team who looked after him at Whakatane Hospital.
In accordance with Morrie’s wishes a private cremation will be held. Communications to the Anderson family, C/- PO Box 2070 Whakatane, 3159 or online at willettsfuneralservices.co.nz

https://www.willettsfuneralservices.co.nz/upcoming-services/ -funeral-notices/view-funeral-details2/69b87ed6ef72657ae436e8ef/

Address

21 King Street Kopeopeo
Whakatane
3159

Telephone

+6473071111

Website

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About us

Our company has a well-established and trusted name in the Funeral Industry. Willetts Funeral Services has been in business since 1990 covering the Eastern Bay of Plenty and New Zealand. Our premises is located at 21 King Street, Kopeopeo, Whakatane. Our Chapel seats 120 comfortably and for larger services we open up the back of the chapel, seating a further 100 people. The chapel is fully air conditioned and is spacious and comfortable with high quality sound equipment and a digital projector for photo presentations, an electric organ and video facilities to record the service. For family members that are unable to attend, We have available a live Funeral Streaming Service. Due to different reasons, sometimes family or friends may not be able to attend the funeral but now with the latest technology we are able to offer a Funeral Streaming service, the next best thing to being there. We are fully wheelchair friendly with a ramp at the rear of the chapel allowing access to the adjoining lounge, kitchen area and bathroom. Our reception lounge and kitchen provides a place for light refreshments following the service.