Our funeral home has a quiet gentleness in an atmosphere of dignity, efficiency, and trust. We strongly believe that a funeral service should honour the person that has passed. We always try to do so in a way that best reflects their passions and beliefs, and celebrates their time here.
When it comes to your loved one, it is you that knows best. You will know their favourite colour and the way they wore their hair to the way they liked to dress. These little details make your loved one unique and special and help define who they were.
We have the expertise and professionalism to help guide and support you through one of the most difficult and challenging times. Your knowledge, incredible strength, and openness to share with us your loved one’s passions, values, and quirks make our services truly unique.
Our service options are flexible and compassionate. True to our word, you will not find any hidden or unexpected costs. We specialise in dignified, cost effective and individually tailored funeral services, whether they be simple or elaborate. Your families needs comes first, our philosophy is: “Families are the highest priority at Gentle Touch” and we endeavour to always provide the highest quality service with honesty, respect, and care.
Julie O’Brien
Funeral Director
Julie came to New Zealand in the early 90s, from England. She lives in Napier with her husband Mike and sons Ben and Jack. Julie has worked as a Vet Nurse and with St John Ambulance as an Emergency Medical Technician. In 2015, Julie had the chance to fulfil her dream of working in the funeral industry.
Julie says “I love what I do. My goal is to provide the best care and guidance to my families through their grieving process and work alongside them to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. I am very honoured to be able to help people in this way”.
Nick Robertson
Funeral Director
Nick is born and bred in Hawkes Bay and has previously spent her career working with the public and in the Veterinary Industry. Nick and her husband live rurally in Hawkes Bay, where in their spare time they breed and produce champion show ponies.
Nick says “It is a privilege to be given this opportunity to help others through this part of life’s journey.”
Andrew Hardie
Funeral Director
Andrew was born in Hastings to Colin & June Hardie, and educated at Rudolf Steiner, Mahora, Heretaunga Intermediate, and Lindisfarne Collage.
After leaving school Andrew trained and completed an apprenticeship as an Automotive Engineer. In 2006 Andrew became a partner in Gentle Touch Funeral Services. In 2009, Andrew started full time at Gentle Touch Funeral Services. Andrew feels that he has found a career which means so much to him. He loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys American sports cars and Golf.
Andrew says “I have found that helping families, by being able to assist them in creating a meaningful, personal service for their loved one at such a difficult time, is very important to me”.
Julie O’Brien
Funeral Director
Julie came to New Zealand in the early 90s, from England. She lives in Napier with her husband Mike and sons Ben and Jack. Julie has worked as a Vet Nurse and with St John Ambulance as an Emergency Medical Technician. In 2015, Julie had the chance to fulfil her dream of working in the funeral industry.
Julie says “I love what I do. My goal is to provide the best care and guidance to my families through their grieving process and work alongside them to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. I am very honoured to be able to help people in this way”.
Nick Robertson
Funeral Director
Nick is born and bred in Hawkes Bay and has previously spent her career working with the public and in the Veterinary Industry. Nick and her husband live rurally in Hawkes Bay, where in their spare time they breed and produce champion show ponies.
Nick says “It is a privilege to be given this opportunity to help others through this part of life’s journey.”
Andrew Hardie
Funeral Director
Andrew was born in Hastings to Colin & June Hardie, and educated at Rudolf Steiner, Mahora, Heretaunga Intermediate, and Lindisfarne Collage.
After leaving school Andrew trained and completed an apprenticeship as an Automotive Engineer. In 2006 Andrew became a partner in Gentle Touch Funeral Services. In 2009, Andrew started full time at Gentle Touch Funeral Services. Andrew feels that he has found a career which means so much to him. He loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys American sports cars and Golf.
Andrew says “I have found that helping families, by being able to assist them in creating a meaningful, personal service for their loved one at such a difficult time, is very important to me”.
It is an emotional and difficult time for anyone who has lost a loved one. As a result family members often struggle with the resulting decision making and dealing with an un-planned-for expense. Come in and talk to our funeral directors to find out how we can help you relieve your family of these worries. There is no obligation.
Gentle Touch Funeral Services arranges a variety of funeral types including full services for cremation, burial and eco – burial (from 2018), memorial services, private family gatherings and simple direct cremations, while placing the family’s needs first.
However simple or elaborate you would like a funeral to be, we can help plan and arrange it with you.
Gentle Touch Funeral Services offers a repatriation service which includes everything you will need to return your loved one to their home land.
We are also able to help you gain assistance from ACC and Work and Income New Zealand where applicable.
