Contact Details
Serenity Funerals
204 St Aubyns Street West
Hastings,
Hawkes Bay. New Zealand
Phone: 06 870 3068 or 022 6211 307
COVID-19 Alert 2 restrictions on funeral services
Click here to read more.
Our Team
Awa Roiri - Funeral Director
My name is Awa Roiri and I am originally from Wellington, Ngati Toa
I am a qualified embalmer having graduated with the New Zealand Diploma in Embalming from Wellington’s Weltec
Institute of Technology.
I have lived in Tauranga the past 10 years where we have raised our 3 children. Before moving to Tauranga, I worked
with local funeral homes in and around the Manawatu area, which helped me gain extensive knowledge and
training in all aspects of Funeral Home Operations. But more importantly, caring for families during their times of
need regarding their loved ones.
More recently I have managed Melrose Funeral Home in Tauranga as Funeral Director / Embalmer. I have also been
involved in helping Simplicity Funeral Services in Hamilton, fulfilling a similar role.
My journey to become a Funeral Director began at a young age when my grandmother passed away and the funeral
was a closed casket one which really upset me. I was determined that every whanau should be able to see their
loved ones in their last moments to say goodbye.
I am very passionate about my chosen profession and look forward to providing support and guidance for you and
your whanau. My commitment to assisting you through each step in helping relieve any stress, and make the
grieving process as relaxed as possible is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
When a loved one passes
Whether it was expected or sudden, there are so many things to be
arranged. The shock, grief and sadness can, in itself, feel
overwhelming. Contact us first and we will guide and support you
through the process of farewelling your loved one.
What do I need to do first?
Call us any time day or night, on 06 870 3068 or 027 4238 637.
If your loved one has passed away at home, you will need to contact
your doctor. If the doctor is unable to ascertain the cause of death,
the Coroner will need to be advised.
In cases of sudden, unexpected death the Police, acting as the
Coroners agents, need to be contacted and will arrange for their
contracted Funeral Director to collect the deceased.
The family is under no obligation to use the Funeral Director
contracted by the Coroner once the body has been released back to
the family.
Cultural and Ethnic Funerals
Our Funeral Directors are culturally sensitive and will prepare your
loved one in the appropriate manner in accordance with the family's
wishes.
We will ensure the Funeral Service is carried out as appropriate,
honouring the cultural beliefs of your loved one as the family
chooses.
Burial
Caskets
At Serenity Funerals, we stock a variety of caskets made from a
range of wood and finished to a high standard. Any taste or budget
can be catered for.
Cemetery Plots
Purchase of the burial site and preparation of the grave is arranged
through the local council and is the responsibility of the family. We
can assist and advise at your request.
Headstones & Monuments
The family will need to engage the services of a stone mason for this.
We can provide contact details if requested.
Cremation
Crematorium Service
Our local Crematoriums have chapels where the final committal
service can be held. We will arrange this at the request of the family.
Choosing an Urn
If you choose to retain the ashes of your loved one, you may wish to
choose a vessel in which to keep them. We have a range of urns
available to select from. Your loved ones ashes will be available a
week or two following the service.
Scattering the Ashes
Scattering of your loved ones ashes in a special or significant place
can bring a sense of closure. It may be necessary to check with the
local council regarding scattering of the ashes in a public place.
Headstones & Monuments
The family will need to engage the services of a stone mason for this.
We can provide contact details if requested.
Cultural and Ethnic Funerals
Our Funeral Directors are culturally sensitive and will prepare your
loved one in the appropriate manner in accordance with the family's
wishes.
We will ensure the Funeral Service is carried out as appropriate,
honouring the cultural beliefs of your loved one as the family
chooses.
Our Service
Repatriation to or from most countries
Sometimes death occurs while a person is away from their own
country and their body needs to be returned home. Serenity
Funerals will work with your family to ensure your loved one is
returned to their home country promptly and with dignity.
Newspaper and on-line notification
Details of your loved ones passing and the funeral service will be
published here on our website and also in the Newspaper/s of your
choice. If required we can assist you with notice and funeral details.
Preparing your loved one
Preparing your loved one for their final journey is done with dignity
and respect.
Arranging the Service
We will assist you in creating a personalised service to celebrate
your loved one. Music, photos and special memorabilia can be
included in the service along with family and friends’ tributes. We
can offer advice in arranging the order of service.
We can also assist you in designing a service program which can be
printed and distributed to attendees on the day
Tributes
Floral tributes provided by family, friends and colleagues can be
displayed at the Funeral Service and transported them with the
casket to the cemetery or crematorium.
The Venue
A warm welcome awaits you at Reception
A large lounge is the perfect venue to gather with friends and family
before and after the service,
We have a chapel available at our premises in St Aubyns Street West.
There is no obligation to use our chapel - you may choose any
alternative venue.
Serenity Funerals Ltd
We are a family owned business committed to providing a high level of
professional and personal service to the people of Hawkes Bay.
You can rest in the comfort of knowing that your loved one and your family
will be treated with the utmost care and respect at all times.
Whitu Roiri - Manager
After a career in government working with New Zealand’s Primary Industry Food Producers, I entered the funeral
industry in partnership with my wife Jayne and son Manawa.
I became involved in the funeral industry to help our son realise his heart felt desire to establish and operate his
own funeral home. Taking care of whanau and their loved one during difficult times is a privilege and honour for us
at Serenity. As a family business we are committed to maintaining the highest level of professionalism, integrity and
service to Hawkes Bay families.
I have studied at Lincoln College and Massey University, most recently completing a graduate Diploma in Science and
Technology. I am of Tainui, Ngati Toa Rangitira, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Pakapaka, and a Te Aute College old boy.
When I’m not busy I enjoy fishing, hiking, classic cars and relaxing with family – grandchildren and friends.
The Team (from left to right) Funeral Directors; Awa Roiri & Andrea Wilcox. Managers; Whitu and Jayne Roiri (not pictured).
Caring for you and your loved ones with dignity, respect and compassion
Click here
to read the article on Serenity Funerals which appeared in
The Hastings Leader Newspaper July 11th 2018.
To all the wonderful staff at Serenity
Thank you all so much, words can’t possibly express the appreciation,
love and sincere thanks I send you. The work, support, love and having
you guys listen and share was comfort and will never be forgotten,
instead deeply cherished.
You guys also played a special role in helping to fulfil my brother’s wish
at the end of his journey. It is an incredible experience to be guided by
our loved ones and more beautiful to share it with family, friends and
total strangers.
My brother said he came into this world with nothing and he will leave
it the same way, happy and content, with only his FAITH in God.
Blessings always.
Love from Karen and the Wicham Whanau.
My experience with Serenity was excellent. My sons tangi was out of the
ordinary with a lot of unusual factors, but we got the best anyone could
expect. Whitu was there for us before during and after and made
everything so much easier for my whanau and I. Many thanks from the
heart.
Dawn Waaka (November 2020)
Kua hinga te tōtara i tō mātau whānau. Engari, he ringa tautoko, he
ringa aroha kei a Serenity Funerals Hawkes Bay. Ka whakaaro rātou - he
aha te kōrero o te whānau, me te mea, me pēhea te tautoko o Serenity
Homes. Kāore e kore, he taonga anō tēnei tautoko ki a mātou o te
whānau. Ngā mihi aroha nui ki a Whitu mā Te whānau Halbert.
"The tōtara has fallen on our family. However, Serenity Funerals Hawkes
Bay has a supportive and loving hand. They think - what the family has
to say and how to support Serenity Homes. Undoubtedly, this support
is a great asset to us as a family. Many thanks to Whitu and staff.
The Halbert family (December 2020)
Testimonials
To Whitu and Awa
There are not enough letters in the alphabet to form enough words to
express thanks to you both for all the kindness, gentleness and
patience well over and above what should be expected of you.
The extra miles you took to accommodate the family's wishes of the
late George Ford will not be forgotten, and we will sing your praises
high and low.
Forever thankful,
Arohanui.
Jackie Waho
Dorothy Simonsen
Thank you so much for your amazing service, we really appreciate
compassion and your incredible effort to get Shirley back home.
Debbie and Zane (Nov 2019)
Best funeral services provided excellent service during a difficult time.
Tess Mitchell (Dec 2018)
Although you never hope to have to plan a funeral, serenity funerals
Ltd was so caring and helpful in helping us plan and create a service
for our father. you find a sense of peace as soon as you walk In And
everyone there is so genuinely caring. our dads send off was beautiful
and wouldn't be possible without serenity funerals. we appreciate all
of your help in this difficult time we have had.
The kindest of regards.
The De Vries Family (August 2019)
Serenity Funerals did a fantastic job displaying my mother made her
look at peace and made things so easy.
Wayne Cornwall (May 2019)
Serenity Funerals did a fantastic job displaying my mother in law.
made her look at peace and made things so easy thank you so so
much.
Jackie Whitaker (Nov 2019)
Our Packages
Our packages can be tailored to meet your personal requirements.
Andrea Wilcox - Funeral Director
Kia ora, my name is Andrea Wilcox and I am of Nga Puhi and Ngati Kahungunu decent but born and bred here in the
beautiful Hawkes Bay. I have a loving partner of 20 years and we are proud parents of 3 amazing sons.
For the past 6 years I’ve worked in the caregiving industry focusing on caring for others with respect and aroha.
I believe these skills along with tikanga(customs), kawa(protocol) passed down by my pakeke, and my own caring
nature has prepared me to pursue my passion to work in the funeral industry.
My interest in the funeral industry began at a very young age and grew more and more with the passing of many
loved ones lost. Taking care of a whanau and their cherished loved one with the upmost care, dignity and respect is
both a privilege and an honour at such a difficult time.
When I’m not at work my life is full of kapahaka either teaching, watching, listening or doing, and of course spending
time with my whanau.
“Nou te rourou, naku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi”
“He kai kei aku ringa”
“You can achieve success in all things with everyone working together”
Complete Cremation
Package $4,300 plus GST
(Total $4945)
This package includes all essential services and use of our chapel to hold a
service to commemorate your loved one followed by cremation.
•
Professional service fee
•
Mortuary care and embalming
•
Transfers to and from Serenity
•
Dressing and presentation for viewing
•
Standard loan casket liner
•
Use of our chapel
•
Medical documentation
•
Registration of death
•
Hearse and Funeral Director services on day of funeral (if required)
•
Cremation and certificate fee
Direct Cremation
$2,500 plus GST
(Total $2875.00)
This package is offered as an affordable alternative if you are wanting your
loved one taken care of with minimum delay or fuss. Includes:
•
Professional service fee
•
Transfers to and from Serenity
•
Dressing and presentation for viewing
•
Standard casket liner
•
Use of our chapel
•
Medical documentation
•
Registration of death
•
Hearse and Funeral Director services on day of funeral (if required)
•
Cremation and certificate fee
Complete Funeral Service
$5,000 plus GST
(Total $5750.00)
This package includes all essential services and use of our chapel to hold a
celebratory or traditional service to commemorate your loved one with family
and friends.
•
Professional service fee
•
Transfers to and from Serenity
•
Mortuary care and embalming
•
Dressing and presentation for viewing
•
Standard Kilkenny casket
•
Use of our chapel
•
Medical documentation
•
Registration of death
•
Hearse and Funeral Director services on day of funeral (if required)
Gold Card, and Community
Services Card Package $3,740
plus GST
(Total $4301.00)
Available to our superannuant community this package is designed to assist
you every step of the way while ensuring you receive a fully professional and
caring service
•
Professional service fee
•
Transfers to and from Serenity
•
Mortuary attendance and embalming
•
Dressing and preparation for viewing
•
Standard Kilkenny casket
•
Use of our chapel
•
Medical documentation
•
Registration of death
•
Hearse and Funeral Director services on day of funeral
Payment and Finance
Funeral Payment Options
We understand a funeral is costly and sometimes unexpected and payment
can cause undue stress on a grieving family.
Talk to us about our payment options. Enquire about our financial
assistance package, which includes low deposit and 3 months interest free.