Our Team

Tracey Friend
Owner and Funeral Director

Tracey is a qualified and experienced Funeral Director, starting work in the industry in 2005 and since 2007 holds a NZ Diploma in Funeral Directing (level 5).

Tracey loves her job and feels passionate about the funeral industry, having come from a 20 year career as a Dental Technician, she now knows she’s in the right place doing what she loves, helping people. Recently purchasing the business, after working as an employee here for 14years, she is enjoying the new challenges this presents.

Tracey has an exceptional partner in Ross who is extremely supportive in everything she does, and she is also a proud Mum to three wonderful young men, who are starting out in their adult lives and she loves supporting and encouraging them in all that they do.

Rita Brown
Principal Embalmer

Rita has worked at Tararua Funeral Services, for over 16 years and her primary role is an Embalmer. she recently gained the NZ Diploma in Embalming (Level 5)

This is highly specialised work and Rita is dedicated to providing quality care for the deceased. She takes pride in her work and is very passionate about every aspect of her job.

Rita has lived in Dannevirke most of her life and came from a farming background, she attended both Hillcrest School and Dannevirke High School.

Rita has been married to her very supportive husband Kim for the last 6 years and between them they have 7 adult children and 2 beautiful granddaughters. They enjoy family time having BBQ’s, and going fishing and camping.