98 | FDANZ - Grahams Funeral Services COMMUNITY Purewa Cemetery Trust Board Offering strength and support to grieving families Sue Russell Marissa Chapman, General Manager of Grahams Funeral Services, based in Tuakau, Pukekohe and Waiuku, south-west Auckland, counts herself lucky to be in an industry she is passionate about and working with a team who feel likewise. She has been in the role 6 months, however her links with the sector go back much further, when she trained as an embalmer and before this when she was offered work-experience. “Initially I didn’t have a lot of involvement with the arranging of funerals, as an embalmer, but I always wanted to have more engagement with people and work in an industry that had service and support of people at its foundation,” Marissa explains. The company’s main hub is based in Tuakau, where the mortuary is located and the largest of its chapels. Chapels are also located in Pukekohe and Waiuku. The business stems back to 1935, when Percy Robert James Graham founded the business. A year later Grahams Funeral Services joined the Funeral Directors Association of NZ. And through all those decades the way people want to celebrate a loved-one’s life has evolved. “People do want things to be done differently and it is important we follow their wishes. Our job is to quietly give the family options to consider, at a time when they can feel overwhelmed, and full of grief. This requires a genuine understanding of what they are going through and empathy, but we also need to be professional and strong for them.” And while there is competition, Marissa says, with such a long history, the name is well-known in the district. A proud and long history Sue Russell It is not far into the conversation with Kathy Goodwin, who provides the Purewa Cemetery Trust Board, with marketing and communications support, that you begin to realise just how special this 20ha (55 acre) plot of historic land is to so many. Located in inner-city suburban Auckland in Meadowbank, Purewa Cemetery carries a proud and long history, as one of the very first cemeteries to be developed, as Kathy explains. “Purewa is unique. It’s in the heart of the community. We encouraged our community during lockdowns to visit the cemetery which really has a park-like feel to it. It’s a beautiful, peaceful and inspiring place to spend time. We often saw families enjoying the open spaces during a pretty tough time.” Purewa came into creation back in 1889 when the then Anglican Bishop of Auckland Bishop Cowie, asked the Synod for land closer to the developing Auckland, for burials. Prior to this, the only cemetery was some 25 kilometres to the West and a day trip by train. “Black trains carrying white crosses would transport the deceased, their families and a minister, out to Waikumete, so there really needed to be created a cemetery to serve Auckland, closer to the town”. In January 1889, Purewa held its first burial; an 18-month- old infant. The name Purewa means an elevated or higher place, which seems fitting given its purpose and its topography of undulating hills. The Purewa Creek runs nearby. The decision by the Trust Board to join the annual Auckland City Council Heritage Festival, given the impressive age of the cemetery, provided visitors with a glimpse into some of the most notable and interesting people buried there. Names such as early department store owners George and John Court and Marianne Caughey of Smith and Caughey, Henry Horton – founder of the New Zealand Herald newspaper, Reuben Charles Porter who invented Masport motor owners, and Thomas Henry Ah Chee – who introduced the first Foodtown supermarket to New Zealand – just to name a few. “We have leaders across education, politics, religion, medicine, nursing, sport, business, literature and the arts: people who were profound in developing Auckland into what it is today. This is something we are tremendously proud of,” Two recipients of the Victoria Cross are also buried at Purewa: George Dare Dowell, an Englishman who had the honour bestowed by Queen Victoria and New Zealander William Sanders. “A cemetery is a wonderful place to understand the history of a community. While the Anglican diocese established the cemetery, it is non-denominational in nature, with all creeds and cultures welcomed,” Kathy says. General Manager, Alastair Crombie, has been involved with Purewa for almost five years with the last four years in his current role. He works in closely with the Trust Board fulfilling its strategic vision and offering ideas to enhance and develop further the facilities and services to families. Alastair takes care of the day-to-day operation working with a small, dedicated team. Marissa understands that when death occurs, nothing really prepares a person for that experience and that working through the stages of grief is a very individual thing. “We’re there with families at the most difficult, hardest and hurtful time, just trying to make the pathway forward a little easier. Above all, it’s important we convey to those who have experienced a loss that there is no right or wrong way to farewell a loved one, that there is no hurry and there is time to come to the right decisions.” Qualities such as selflessness, compassion and being sensitive to those that are grieving, and all dealing with their grief in different ways, are also key attributes that play into being able to thrive in the industry. “A family’s grief is not ours to feel. “Our job is to offer strength and support, and to understand their grief without putting our own feelings on to their shoulders, while helping them get through one day at a time” When Business North spoke with Marissa, she was in the process of recruiting a new team member to join the 5 Funeral Directors and 3 support staff. When asked how she assesses the potential and worth of a new employee, Marissa says it comes down to some very basic observations. “They don’t need to be experienced. We can take care of that with time, but they definitely have to want to, and enjoy working with people, and have a passion for the industry because it is a demanding profession, and our job is too important to not be here for the right reasons.” Marissa also says that being the size they are works well, with each Funeral Director, taking care of everything for a family. Alastair Crombie, Purewa General Manager, in front of the St John’s Lounge. Excellent, friendly service Casket hardware & drapery Eckels embalming products Urns, keepsakes & jewellery Cemetery & funeral equipment. AND NOW: Locallymanufacturingmortuary equipment! Call 07-848 1692 or order online mortech.co.nz Queenie Blooms The Franklin Florist of choice | Based In Waiuku Whatever your reason, we will have the blooms appropriate for any occasion, with delivery options Auckland & Franklin wide. 09 391 4003 or 022 301 0013 queenieblooms@queenieblooms.co.nz www.queenieblooms.co.nz There are certain people in life who shape who you are. Special people who were always there to give you advice, support, comfort and love. When the time comes to bid them farewell, make sure to farewell them properly. Talk to us we’ll help you do exactly that. She always loved some glamour. We’ll help you say goodbye in style. 582 Remuera Road, Remuera,Auckland 09 520 3119 | staff@sibuns.co.nz www.sibuns.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=