Richard had just sat down in his Christchurch office on 22 February 2011, when the Canterbury earthquake hit. The aftermath of this tragedy proved a pivotal time for the former radio executive, who found himself pondering a more meaningful career.

Two years later, following a move to Rotorua, an opportunity arose for Richard to join Osbornes as a funeral director. He found his new role enabled him to “give back” and serve people in a more holistic sense, while still utilising his communication skills from his media background. He’s since taken over as a majority owner and managing director of the business – and feels privileged to be leading Rotorua’s premier team of funeral directors. For Richard – it’s all about the families; exceeding their expectations on all counts.

In 2016, Richard was named Emerging Young Leader of the Year at the Westpac Rotorua Business Awards, while Osbornes won Best Service Provider, and the Customer Service Award. Richard’s goal is to ensure the business continues to evolve with the latest funeral practices – while still staying true to its core values of quality, sincerity and trust. Married to Larissa a school teacher, dad to two lovely ‘hurricanes’, and owner of too many fishing rods.

Raewyn, a former pastor, has enjoyed caring for people for as long as she can remember. She first took up a role at Osbornes 25 years ago, after visiting the premises in her capacity as a then-funeral celebrant. A chance conversation led to her becoming a funeral director – and she’s never looked back.

Raewyn’s additional training as a grief counsellor proves invaluable to her client families. She can be there through the entire process from that initial time of death, to funeral arrangements, to helping them work through their grief once the funeral is over. She loves every aspect of her job – and feels privileged to know she’s helping people have a positive experience, in what is often an emotional and challenging time.

Outside of work, Raewyn adores being a grandmother to her seven grandchildren, and also makes time for her other hobbies such as reading.

Chris has been part of the Osbornes team since 2005. He enjoys his role as Operations Manager and Funeral Director because it is primarily about helping families. Having previously worked as a physiotherapist in hospitals, rest homes and partner in private practice, he has a natural empathy towards people. He is fascinated by family dynamics, and has a knack for helping loved ones navigate any challenges throughout the funeral planning process. Chris is fully qualified in his profession.

He and his wife Tania enjoy Rotorua’s outdoor lifestyle and love tramping and heading to the ski slopes.

Adam has always been drawn to people, he feels we can learn and share so much from one in other.
As a Funeral Director and Embalmer: “I can honestly say I have enjoyed waking up and knowing that what I do helps families in their time of need, I have never had such a gratifying job. To be able to work with such friendly professional people and share in the lives of others is extremely gratifying”.
I have a budding family of two lovely young ladies and a wife that supports me with her love and friendship.

I get my “me” time out in nature. Fishing, hunting or just sitting out in the middle of nowhere under a tree enjoying the peaceful solace and tranquility of our native bush.

Wayne is one of the country’s most experienced embalmers, and excels at his profession.  From the moment he first stepped into a mortuary 30 years ago, he instantly felt at home.  He’d initially applied for a job as a funeral director’s assistant, but quickly made the switch to trainee embalmer.  After spending his early years working throughout the North Island, Wayne returned to his hometown of Rotorua to take up a role at Osbornes – where he’s remained for almost 20 years.

He loves the artistic side of embalming and is highly skilled at making the deceased look peaceful and rested – leaving loved ones with a comforting, final memory.

It’s a big responsibility, and Wayne gets immense satisfaction out of playing his part in helping families through their grief journey.  One of Wayne’s proudest achievements is becoming a member of the NZ Embalmers Association, adding to his Australian and British qualifications.