I was born in Hastings to Colin & June Hardie, and educated at Rudolf Steiner, Mahora, Heretaunga Intermediate, and Lindisfarne College. After leaving school I trained and completed an apprenticeship as an Automotive Engineer. In 2006 I became a partner in Gentle Touch Funeral Services. In 2009, I started full time at Gentle Touch Funeral Services. I feel that i'v found a career which means so much to me. Spending time with family and friends means a lot as you really do get to know the value in doing this, when working as a Funeral Director. In 2018 I become a qualified embalmer, I felt this was an important step so that families know their loved one's as been correctly looked after. While away from work I do enjoy working on American sports cars and playing Golf. I have found that helping families, and 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.
Passionate, calming, empathetic and a great sense of humour is how my friends, family and colleagues would describe me, Also a woman of many talents and trades. I moved to the beautiful Hawkes Bay 5 years ago from sunny Nelson, where I have settled into the gorgeous spot of East Clive with my husband and two very energetic but awesome children. Previously I was a trainer for Air NewZealand flight attendants for nearly 9 years and over that time I thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life, hearing their stories and of course the travel. Since giving up my flying career to be a mum, I soon discovered that I wasn't cut out for the stay at home mum role as I missed the interaction with people, so ventured off to start my own business of event planning/catering and 9 years ago became a registered New Zealand Celebrant. With over 15 years of public speaking experience and a real passion for people and their wellbeing, I spend more of my time doing what I love and that's being a celebrant/director for weddings and funeral services, where I listen, take on board families needs and create a personal service to reflect that special someone's personality and their wishes. Knowing I can help families at such a difficult time and provide ease, comfort and a helping hand, whilst reflecting on that loved ones life is extremely important to me.
I am surrounded by my loving family situated in a semi-rural setting here in Hawkes Bay. I enjoy the outdoors, gardening, and flower arranging. I was educated at Puketapu School, Hukarere Maori Girls College. I then studied and graduated with a Diploma in Travel & Tourism which enabled me to join the Airline industry, I was able to travel around the world, meeting all walks of life and a lot of fabulous people along the way. I am very down-to-earth, approachable, and easy to talk to. I am humbled to be able to help people through one of the most difficult times of their lives and to be a part of the great team here at Gentle Touch Funerals.
We are here to help you 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
