Serving your family with care and compassion

We understand the journey of loss and grief. We also recognise the significance of a meaningful funeral service, the part it has to play in the acknowledgement of loss, and the peace it can bring to the healing process. It’s our hope that with our experience, we can bring ease and reassurance to you at an inevitably emotional and difficult time.

Our focus is on providing a highly personalised experience in a culturally-safe environment, where our patience, genuine care and compassion leaves you feeling heard, supported and empowered in your decision making.

Simply Funerals is family-run, with three generations of our family playing a role in helping you celebrate the life of your loved one. It is humbling to connect with families and communities from all walks of life, and we consider it a privilege to learn about your loved one and be involved in honouring their life and legacy alongside you.

We are available 24/7 to provide all the support and advice required and answer all the questions you may have during this difficult time.

Meet the Team

Carla Turner

Owner & Funeral Director
An experienced funeral director, Carla considers it a privilege to make a difference to families who are dealing with grief and the loss of a loved one. With a highly personalised and empathetic approach, Carla treats every family with compassion, ensuring their wishes are heard and adhered to in a way that offers a sense of peace and reassurance. A mother of seven, she is proud of the legacy she has created for her own family, and enjoys the opportunity to work alongside her mother, husband and a number of her children, providing a truly family-orientated experience for the families Simply Funerals supports.
Phil Turner

Owner & Managing Director
Phil is closely connected to the community, and calls on experience working directly with a wide range of people from all walks of life. This experience has given him the skills and knowledge to offer understanding and guidance while respecting all different cultural and religious values, and he has strong relationships with local Kaumātua, Tangata Whenua and Marae. He feels humbled by the opportunity to help guide families through a difficult time in dealing with the arrangements for their loved ones, as well as assisting whānau in following the protocols and beliefs of their respective Marae, Hapū and Iwi.
Gayle Melrose

Owner & Funeral Director
Inspired by her own experiences with loss and grief, Gayle became a funeral director to ensure that other families received a standard of service and care that left them feeling supported in their journeys. With a compassionate and understanding approach, she empathises with the emotions and challenges those who are processing a loss are facing, and offers guidance that brings ease to their decision making. Gayle is a mother, grandmother and closely connected to her family and community, bringing a genuine warmth for people that makes a difference at an inevitably difficult time.