Gateway Funeral Services

31/03/2026

Its moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. 🌿

We'd like to thank the whānau of George Frederick Thrupp for their incredibly kind review.

"Our thanks to Gateway Funeral Services for the rangatira (noble) care shown in preparing our father for his final return. Because of your meticulous work, he was able to lie in state upon his ancestral house, Toikairākau, with the honor he deserved."

Navigating loss is never easy, thank you for your sincerity and for letting us be a part of Koro’s final journey.

27/03/2026

Funerals don’t stop because of a fuel crisis.

Today’s government announcement on essential services has once again missed funeral directors; a critical oversight for families at their most vulnerable.

Our latest Fuel Impact Survey shows funeral directors are highly mobile, with many travelling hundreds, even thousands of kilometres each week to care for the deceased and support grieving families. These services cannot be delayed.

Without recognition as an essential service, fuel disruptions risk adding cost, stress, and uncertainty at a time when families need support the most.

We are calling on the government to ensure funeral services are included in fuel contingency planning and prioritised for access.

Read the full media release and survey findings - link in the comments from the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand

Funerals don’t stop because of a fuel crisis.

Today’s government announcement on essential services has once again missed funeral directors; a critical oversight for families at their most vulnerable.

Our latest Fuel Impact Survey shows funeral directors are highly mobile, with many travelling hundreds, even thousands of kilometres each week to care for the deceased and support grieving families. These services cannot be delayed.

Without recognition as an essential service, fuel disruptions risk adding cost, stress, and uncertainty at a time when families need support the most.

We are calling on the government to ensure funeral services are included in fuel contingency planning and prioritised for access.

Read the full media release and survey findings - link in the comments...

05/03/2026

Proud to introduce - The Last Ride - our custom Harley Davidson hearse.

05/03/2026

Introducing - The Last Ride by Gateway Funeral Services

04/03/2026

Scattering ashes at sea can be a meaningful and symbolic farewell but it also brings cultural, legal, and ethical considerations to the forefront.

A recent RNZ article, The modern conundrum of scattering human ashes, includes insights from Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand CEO Gillian Boyes, Board Member Andrew Malcolm, and Board Cultural Advisor & Funeral Director at Gateway Funeral Services Larni Hepi, highlighting how memorial practices are evolving and the importance of cultural understanding.

Read the full RNZ article here: 'The modurn conundrum of scattering human ashes'
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifestyle/the-modern-conundrum-of-scattering-human-ashes

20/02/2026

All set for the AMJAZZ Autorama car show in Rotorua today with The Last Ride.

If you’re around come and say ‘Hi’. It’s 9.00 am – 1:00 pm at the Arawa Park Racecourse (Fenton Street, Rotorua).

https://facebook.com/events/s/amjazz-autorama/1121758540106756/

Or check out our website for more info: www.thelastride.co.nz

20/02/2026

This week we had our first ‘Last Ride’. It was a fitting way to celebrate a life well lived. And we even had a motorbike convoy along for the ride.

This weekend we will be at the AMJAZZ Autorama car show in Rotorua. If you’re around come and say ‘Hi’. It’s 9.00 am – 1:00 pm at the Arawa Park Racecourse (Fenton Street, Rotorua).

17/02/2026

You guessed right! 🏍️✨

We have a new addition to our fleet - a customised Harley Davidson motorbike with enclosed sidecar hearse.

It is the perfect tribute for any motorcycle enthusiasts and those who lived life in the fast lane. But you don’t need to be a rider to choose this dignified send-off. It is for any free spirits, adventurers, and anyone who wants their final journey to be as memorable as the life they lived.

Exclusively available through Gateway Funeral Services Whakatāne. Whether you’re pre-planning or honoring a loved one, "The Last Ride" is available as a specialised add-on to our services.

Find out more here:
👉 www.gatewayfuneral.co.nz/the-last-ride/

17/02/2026

We are proud to support the rangatahi golfing community with 9 sets of junior clubs for the Whakatane Golf Club. We couldn’t think of a better place to spend our Wednesday afternoons ⛳️

16/02/2026

Something new is coming to Gateway Funeral Services…

Taking guesses in the comments:

13/01/2026

Our Director, Bradley Shaw, was on the Keep The Change podcast last week talking to Luke about everything financial from Funeral Grants to Cemetaries and what to expect when planning for a funeral. Check out the whole episode:

📺 Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujYSEbDkbMs&t=2664s
ᯤ Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zlcgevKe4V44jJ0VkVK2q?si=82267ed749bd4ed4,

24/12/2025

This Christmas, we remember those who are deeply missed. May the memories of your loved ones bring warmth to your heart during these holidays. Sending gentle wishes from all of us at Gateway Funeral Services.