People you can depend on to care about the details

At Academy, our funeral directors are very much part of the community and are passionate about providing a professional and caring service. Nothing is too much trouble.

Please phone us on 343 0919 for further information.

Wayne Lyons Manager and Funeral Director Wayne Lyons joined Academy Funeral Services in 2008 after 34 years of experience in the funeral industry. For the past two decades, Wayne has managed funeral homes and, during that time has been president of the FDANZ. Wayne has been actively involved with FDANZ, as well as Rotary and the Linwood Rugby Football Club. Outside work Wayne enjoys coastal sailing, salmon fishing and the great outdoors with his family and old dog Bill.		Peter Lawrence Consultant Funeral Director Peter established Academy Funeral services in 1982 after graduating from the School of Embalming in London in 1980 with honours. Peter enjoys attending to the prize-winning gardens at Academy Funeral Services as well as his own home garden.

George Holtz Assistant Manager and Funeral Director A qualified funeral director and embalmer, George enjoys the contact with people, particularly being able to help in their time of need. George and his wife have three adult children and when he can find the time he enjoys golf and sea fishing, as well as watching rugby, cricket and basketball.		Andrea Kimber Funeral Director Andrea has worked as a funeral director for 10 years, gaining qualifications as part of her desire to deliver a professional and personal service. With a background as bridal consultant Andrea has developed the skills to assist families arrange the ceremonies they desire. Out of work Andrea enjoys tramping, dancing and following her children's travels around the world.

Kieran Morrison Assistant Funeral Director Kieran is enjoying assisting families and learning his new profession in funeral directing at Academy. When not working, Kieran enjoys getting outdoors with his family and friends and making the most of our fantastic country.		Kelvin Hurst Embalmer, Assistant Funeral Director Kelvin has been in the funeral industry for four years. As a qualified embalmer and member of NZ Embalmers' Association, Kelvin also assists at funerals. As well as enjoying time with his family, Kelvin is a keen league player and enthusiast. He has been involved with the Papanui Rugby League club for 30 years and is a founding member of Papanui Masters' Rugby League.

Tania Leighs Funeral Director, Embalmer Tania has been a funeral director for four years, enjoying her role of helping people at what can be a stressful time. Before funeral directing, she worked in the family Pottery World business in Wairakei Road. With three teenage daughters, Tania finds her spare time is taken up with family commitments and ferrying the girls to competitive hockey matches.		Murray Crozier Funeral Assistant, Embalmer Murray has been at Academy for two years after working for many years for Air New Zealand in reservations, check-in and ground staff. In his spare time he enjoys gardening and sport, playing social league and cricket.

Mike Chandler Funeral Director Mike has been involved in the funeral industry for eight years, coming to Academy from the Harewood Crematorium. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the Salvation Army, playing the baritone in the Salvation Army Band since he was a teenager. Mike has two adult children and a granddaughter.		Dawn Skinner Administration Coming to Academy from other administration roles in retirement villages, Dawn brings her caring and sensitive touch to assisting the many families who make contact with us in their time of need. Dawn has two adult children and two grandchildren, and in her spare time enjoys renovating houses.

Carolyn Ark Administration Carolyn has worked in an administrative role at Academy Funeral Services since 2004. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading books and has a real passion for fitness.