Meet the Team

Raewyn co-founded Resthaven Funerals with Rachel at the turn of the millennium. Still actively involved in the business 23 + years later in her role as Location Manager, Raewyn oversees Resthaven’s two locations in both South and East Auckland. She brings strong people and administration skills to the team originally coming from an HR background. Raewyn has a Diploma in Funeral Directing along with a certificate in grief support. She loves the interaction with families and the diversity the job brings. Raewyn is the proud mother of a daughter, son and their partners. She loves living between south and east Auckland at the top of Manukau enjoying many walks in the adjacent Totara Park taking in the views and appreciating all that surrounds.

Anne joined the Resthaven team in 2014 as a Funeral Director, coming from a corporate background. She graduated with a Diploma in Funeral Directing in 2017. Anne has taken up the role as Assistant Manager from 2020. Anne grew up in Howick and still has strong ties within the area.

Anne is a proud mum to her two children Bridie and Hadley, and during her spare time enjoys spending quality time with her husband Mike, her children, extended family and friends. She lives rurally with her family and their two fur children Duke (cat) and Tilly (dog). Anne feels very privileged to be able to help families at their most vulnerable time. She loves the fact that no two days are the same.

Rachel co-founded Resthaven Funerals with Raewyn at the turn of the millennium and brings a wealth of experience in funeral service with over 25 years in the profession. She gained her National Certificate in Funeral Directing in 2003 and is the first female President of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand since its establishment in 1937.

Rachel is passionate about caring for families and their communities to the highest level. She is a natural problem solver and a compassionate organiser who loves the variety of her role, where every day is different, giving her the opportunity to help families she serves.

Rachel lives in Howick and enjoys being involved in her community, being with her two daughters, baking, reading, travel and catching up with friends with a good glass of wine.

Previous to joining Resthaven in 2021, Les worked for an international NGO and a number of New Zealand public companies in accounting and treasury roles. The change in career was motivated by a long-held desire to work closely with, and support, families at a time of loss. “The funeral ceremony, big or small, is an important time for any family to support each other and to acknowledge the life and legacy of the deceased”. To relax Les enjoys gardening, reading, and playing the bagpipes. Les resides in Howick and is married to Judy. They have three adult children and one grandson.

Nicole became part of the Resthaven team in 2017. She graduated with a Diploma in Funeral Directing in 2020. Nicole brings strong people skills to the forefront with a balance of empathy, care and humour. Nicole has a wealth of knowledge in understanding people and their needs having grown up in South Auckland and then living in East Auckland for a number of years,. Nicole is a proud mother of an adult daughter and has recently become a grandmother. She is a keen gardener, has a love for the outdoors and animals. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Rachelle joined the team in 2021. She has a background in beauty and was self-employed for most of her previous working life, but always had a desire to be a funeral director from a young age. Now that her two sons are working and independent, she has fully committed to the role. Rachelle can relate easily to people and has a natural caring compassionate nature which puts families at ease. She adores her family and loves spending time with them and friends outside of work.

Trish has come from an administrative background working in two Aged Care Facilities in the South Auckland Region. She has enjoyed helping residents and their families and is honoured to be able to carry on helping families whilst working at Resthaven.
She enjoys walking, swimming, craft work, hospice shopping as well as spending time with family and friends.

Trish resides in The Gardens area with her husband and has three adult sons, two step-daughters and three grandchildren.

Louise joined the Resthaven team in 2023 as the administrator for the Howick location. She comes from a career in a large media organisation for the past 25 years. Her strong admin skills coupled with her love of people, brings a great balance as the first point of contact in the funeral home. Louise has been part of the east Auckland area for many years. She enjoys being part of the community and has a passion for helping others. In her spare time she loves going to the gym, enjoying her local area, spending time with family and friends.