BradleyDip. Funeral Directing, Registered FD (FDANZ) Bradley grew up in the Bay of Plenty region, Tauranga being his hometown. He joined the funeral industry upon leaving school in 2011. Bradley worked in funeral homes in Tauranga and Australia before the opportunity to move to Whakatane to take on Gateway Funeral Services arose. Bradley graduated with a Diploma in Funeral Directing in 2017 and is a registered funeral director with the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand. Outside of work, Bradley is heavily involved with charitable organisations namely the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, Pou Whakaaro and Lions. Bradley is also an elected national board member for the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand. Bradley with the free time he does have enjoys courses, that being golf courses and racecourses, as well as quality time with his daughter.
THE TEAM BEHIND GATEWAY FUNERAL SERVICES
"We take great pride in being part of the community, supporting the people who support us"
Compassionately helping you
The Gateway team of Funeral Directors are the best at what they do, consulting, arranging and liaising is a funeral director's specialty. We pride ourselves on being open and transparent, which lets us guide you through every step of the way.
Your funeral director will work with a range of different people to make sure that the funeral service process runs smoothly for you and your family.
Our team of expert and qualified Funeral Directors are second to none.
The Gateway Team
AmberFuneral Director Amber was born and bred in the Bay Of Plenty, moving to beautiful Whakatane upon starting a family. I have three amazing children who are all heavily involved in sports keeping me very busy. I am a fully qualified hairdresser and have owned salons in the Bay Of Plenty for many years. Hairdressing has enabled me to travel and live overseas which I am grateful for. After 28 years of hairdressing the opportunity to join the Gateway family arose. Having always been interested in this field I jumped at the chance. I feel honoured to be able to guide families through an extremely difficult and heart-breaking time to create a meaningful funeral. I am finally in my dream job.
Vonnie Embalmer “Ahakoa he iti he pounamu” However small your contribution is as valuable as a green stone. Ko Putauaki te maunga Ko Ohinemataroa te awa Ko Mataatua te waka Ko Ngati awa te iwi Ko Taiwhakaea te marae Ko Ngai Taiwhakaea te hapu Kia Ora ko Vonnie Waihirere toku ingoa My Husband is Domino Waihirere, we have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. Although I have been fortunate enough to gain formal certified qualifications throughout my working career Kaumatua within their wisdom and virtue have inspired me to sincerely believe that life’s experiences and gathered knowledge are truly an unwritten qualification worthwhile as recognition in what we have to offer. As a reflection of this, I bring with me 20 years of experience as an embalmer and funeral director.
DeanGrowth and Development Specialist Dean was born in the United States and immigrated to New Zealand in 2002. He earned his Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and is a Registered Funeral Director with the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) and a Registered Qualified Embalmer with the New Zealand Embalmer’s Association (NZEA). With over 28 years of experience in the funeral industry, Dean provides a wealth of knowledge and embraces the personalization and creativity challenges to make each service as unique as the life being celebrated. Away from work Dean is a dedicated family man, spending time with his wife, Karina and their two children. He is an avid diver and embraces all sports and outdoor activities.
RobFuneral Assistant Ko Tainui toku waka Ko Kapuarangi toku Maunga Ko Wainui toku Awa Ko Torerenui-A-Rua toku Tipuna Whare Ko Manaakiao toku Tipuna Ko Torere toku Marae Ko Ngai-tai toku Iwi Ko Robert Martin toku Ingoa I have been married 46 years to my wife Mary, who also works for Gateway Funeral Services as a celebrant & grief counsellor. I enjoy working in the funeral industry because I am able to assist whanau/families in their time of grief. Spending quality time with our three daughters, also family & friends we enjoy fishing, diving & hunting together. In the last 7 years, my wife & I have donated our time to raising funds for Child Cancer & St John thru an organization we created called, “Eyes of the Heart –Whatumanawa”
Our Story
Gateway Funeral Services has a rich history deeply rooted in the Whakatane community. Founded in 1991 by the Walker family, their mission was to make a positive difference in the lives of local families during their most challenging times. The original location on Gateway Drive quickly became a trusted and respected establishment.
After the passing of Humphrey Walker, his daughters Susan Thrupp and Debbie Bluett took the reins of the family business, ensuring that their father's legacy would be carried forward with the same care and dedication. Gateway Funeral Services remained a family-run operation, committed to supporting the community.
As the business grew, it became apparent that larger premises were necessary to continue providing exceptional service to client families. In 2010, the purchase of the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall on Awatapu Drive provided the ideal opportunity for expansion. Extensive renovations transformed the space into a modern facility, featuring a spacious reception area, a 130-seat chapel, a catering lounge, a family room with a kitchen, a dining and living room, as well as a private viewing room and bathroom.
In 2015, after many successful years, Susan, Debbie, and their families made the heartfelt decision to pass on the ownership of Gateway Funeral Services. The Shaw family embraced this opportunity and assumed ownership of the well-established business in December of that year. They were determined to continue the traditions, values, and high standards set by the founding family.
Today, Gateway Funeral Directors remains proudly locally owned and operated, upholding its commitment to serving the community with compassion and professionalism. The Shaw family, now at the helm, honours the legacy established by the Walkers, ensuring that local families receive the support and care they deserve during their times of grief.
As Gateway Funeral Directors, we are dedicated to providing a comforting and personalized experience, helping families navigate through the funeral process with compassion, respect, and attention to detail. We are honoured to continue the legacy of the founding family and remain a trusted presence in the Whakatane community.
Get in contact today
Gateway Funeral Services
Whakatane - 17 Awatapu Drive, Whakatane
Kawerau - 4 Ranfurly Court, Kawerau (open by appointment)
Phone us on (07) 3086102
Or you can email the team office@gatewayfuneral.co.nz