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Meet the team

Jason initially began working in the funeral industry for a large Auckland company in 1986. Through them, he learned the essential skills and tools of the trade, and developed a respect for the industry. He knew without doubt, after 5 years, that this was definitely the career for him, and so decided to set up in business for himself. So it was, that in 1991, he founded Jason Morrison Funeral Services. Initially Jason worked alone, but within a very short time, he needed to take on extra staff. So today we are a team of six. With Jason Nicola Eddie Debbie, Callum and Ayla.

Each one of us have unique strengths which we bring to the team. Read on to find out more about who we are, and what each person considers their strength to be.  

Jason Morrison

I started my funeral career in 1986 on Auckland's North Shore, and after five years, decided the time had come to set up my own funeral home. Having lived in Warkworth for most of my life, I decided to open locally, on Whitaker Road, central to the Warkworth township.

I've seen many changes over the years, as the business has grown, particularly in the area of technology.
When I first began, funerals were mostly held in churches or in our chapel. However people's expectations and needs have changed over the years, and so now we take our mobile sound systems, video, recording and whatever else our families want to a huge range of locations; beaches, local parks, halls, clubs, wineries and even to people's own homes. The constant need to change and adapt, has meant that this profession, has never felt like work to me. I enjoy working with a team of people I can trust and serving a community of people who are now long time friends, of mine, my wife's and our children.

Aside from work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially tripping around the country with my wife in our bus, and when home, relaxing with friends over a meal. Our work life keeps us both very much focussed on our local community, and means that we have developed many deep relationships which brings us great satisfaction.

Eddie Allen

Eddie grew up in Hamilton, has lived in Napier, Auckland and Zambia over the years, and now lives in Whangaparaoa.

 With experience gained through the building industry, teaching profession, and missionary work he gained a passion for people and was drawn to the funeral service in 2004 on his return from Zambia.

 He has a National Diploma in Embalming and Funeral Directing, and is passionate about helping people as they begin their journey of grief, both as individuals and as families, as they face the death of somebody dear to them.

He has been married to the beautiful Anne, for over 40 years. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren. His leisure interests revolve around family, church involvement, motorcycling, caravanning and armchair sport. All of the homes they have owned have been projects to ‘make over,’ and now his children are calling on his building skills. He has played a lot of casual sport in the past and did manage to complete the Orewa Half Marathon a year or two back as well.

 

Nicola Morrison

After going to the funeral of a friend's mother in 1994 which was honest and 'real', I was inspired to become a celebrant myself.
Since then I have gained my qualification as a celebrant, won awards for public speaking, studied for certificates in grief work and NLP and have taken many funerals and weddings. I am passionate about my role as a celebrant, as I get to tell the stories of so many interesting 'ordinary' people.... and although sometimes those stories can be heart breaking, the positive feedback I receive really helps me to keep going through some of the tougher stories.

Before working in this industry I worked mainly in the corporate world, and though interesting, it was impersonal and set goals I just couldn't get passionate about. This role, as celebrant and funeral director changes every day, brings me face to face with incredible people, people who keep me real, and gives me an opportunity to use my story telling skills in a way that makes a positive difference.

Once home I love spending time with my beautiful husband, our gorgeous children and three grandchildren Sophie, Eli and Kaidyn. In my spare time....I love to walk our two dogs Biscuit and Frankie, who are full of energy and mischief, paint and write . I'm currently working on a book about grief.... Although with a busy household and working full time, 'spare' time is extremely rare! 

 

Debbie Clark

 

After spending many years holidaying at Kawau Island, Debbie, her lovely husband Rob and two gorgeous girls moved to Algies Bay. They love the community feel that this amazing area has and still feel so fortunate to be part of it.

Debbie has a genuine heart for working with people, both colleagues (in many ways she is our “Camp Mother”) and the families we have the privilege of being involved with. She will more than often be the first person you speak with on the phone and is also responsible for the accounts, helping with funerals when required and various other administrative tasks. She has a wealth of experience in the monumental industry and is on hand to help design and create a fitting headstone tribute for your loved ones. Previously she has been on the School Board of Trustees, coached/managed her daughters’ sports teams as well as other community activities.

Debbie loves looking after her family and extended family, enjoys walking the beach, watching sport and great movies. Her home is full of animals (all rescues of some sort) and is always open to family and friends. In fact there is nothing she enjoys more than a glass of wine, quality time and lots of laughs with the special people in her world.

 

Ayla Walker

 

Ayla lives in rural Ahuroa with her husband Spike and her two children, Bear and Beau. She grew up in Coromandel and Papatoetoe finishing school as a head prefect. She then travelled Australia before settling in the Warkworth area 10 years ago.

Ayla has always enjoyed being an active member in the community. She is a Board Member for Ahuroa School, volunteer for the Santa Parade Committee and Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights Committee, Celebrant and she also stood for Rodney Local Board in 2019. Ayla is passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural environment and is often involved with community planting days.

Ayla descends from Nga Puhi and Tainui iwi. Two of her cultural and personal values that deepen her funeral directing role are: Whanaungatanga: to give people a sense of belonging, connection and experience of working together and Kaitiakitanga: guardianship, to look after the people and places around you.

Ayla’s favourite part about working here is being an integral part of the amazing team.

 

Callum McKinlay

 

Callum has lived in cities like Dunedin, Palmerston North, Auckland and Taichung (Taiwan where he learned Chinese), but he grew up in the country town of Gore. For the last few years, Fe, his wonderful wife of around 40 years, and he have really enjoyed living in the Warkworth area and in particular near the beach at Snells. It’s a friendly, picturesque place for their three adult children (plus partners) and four grandchildren to visit.

His background in science, food, teaching, pastoring and quality assurance blended well to prepare him for funeral directing and embalming. He continues to enjoy this career as he gets to meet and assist so many amazing people.

When he’s not busy helping families and work, he enjoys walking by the beach, watching movies, or working out and competing in CrossFit.

 

  • What Our Clients Say

    "We just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for helping us with the plaque for mum's grave. It is absolutely beautiful, and your kind and calm manner while helping us to make a decision was very much appreciated!!!!"

  • What Our Clients Say

    "Thank you for your thoughtful and caring funeral service for our friend and work colleague Alton. The Leigh Bowling Club provided more food and beer than we could possibly eat and drink and a great afternoon was had by all. Alton would have whole heartedly approved! Many thanks."

  • What Our Clients Say

    "My family and I would like to thank you all so very much for everything you did for our family. You made everything so much easier at this sad time. And thank you for attending to Fraser so beautifully."

  • What Our Clients Say

    "I just had to drop a line to say how much we appreciated your guidance through our recent loss of my beloved dad. From the moment we arrived, we felt as though we were with friends. Your calm efficient and friendly team, took care of everything for us... with attention to detail, helpful suggestions and thoughtful negotiations around some pretty difficult family tensions! It was all absolutely outstanding. Thank you so much for making this time a little easier on us all. We will never forget you."

  • What Our Clients Say

    "Dear 'Team' at Jason Morrison Thank you so very much for all you did to help with our dad's memorial service. Everything went like clockwork and we were so overwhelmed by your kindness and professionalism. You are all such lovely people, and so that's why this email is addressed to the whole team! Each one of you are an absolute asset to your business and I couldn't recommend you highly enough. Thank you so very much for making such a tough time for us all, so much easier."

  • What Our Clients Say

    "I would like you to pass on our personal thanks for conducting the Funeral of the Late Late Ross Cameron held at the Tomorata Rugby Club Hall on Wednesday 19th November. Your professionalism, advice, direction and empathy were of the highest standard. Thank you once again."

  • What Our Clients Say

    "A note to thank you all for your wonderful help to Dawn, Grahame and me in preparing mum's celebration of life. Nicola, your eulogy was perfect, as was your beautiful diction. We received many wonderful comments on your presentation and warmth. Our sincere thanks to each of you for your part in our farewell to our beloved mum, Raina/Lily."

  • What Our Clients Say

    "I could not have asked for a more perfect service under our circumstances. You did everything we asked and more. At such a time of grieving so much is not understood of what is required. With both your help, Jason and Nicola, it was achieved sincerely and sensitively. Death is a horrible time and as I had lost my Dad a year before you gave me a better service than I had experienced before."

  • What Our Clients Say

    "words cannot express adequately our most sincere thanks for your help, support, professionalism, kindness, empathy and sheer hard work on our behalf. We were confident in releasing Richard to the care of Jason Morrison Funeral Services, and to have you as the celebrant was outstanding. Thank you again for your support and kindness, we wish you well for the future."

  • What Our Clients Say

    "Thanks so much for your caring and professional approach. It made things much easier for me during a very stressful time. A number of people complimented you and wanted to 'book' your services! What higher compliment...?!"

  • What Our Clients Say

    "Thanks again for a truly excellent service for my Mum, we all thought the service was very fitting. One of my friends commented that he was surprised to hear you hadn't met mum your knowledge of her was so deep, well done."