Introducing Our Māori Funeral Director, Shinae

At Premier Funerals, we are proud to introduce our dedicated Māori Funeral Director, Shinae, whose compassion, cultural expertise, and personal experience with grief make her an invaluable part of our team. With over three years of experience in the funeral industry, Shinae brings a unique combination of skills and heartfelt understanding to the families she serves.

Shinae’s Journey

Shinae’s journey into the funeral industry began in New Zealand, where she started as a Funeral Director’s Assistant. It didn’t take long for her to realise that this career was more than just a job – it was a calling. Driven by her desire to support families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, Shinae quickly progressed in her role, taking on more responsibilities and personally caring for grieving families.

Shinae’s personal experience with grief, having lost her brother tragically in 2013, deeply shaped her approach to funeral services. She understands firsthand how difficult it is to say goodbye to a loved one and how overwhelming the funeral planning process can be. This experience led her to pursue a career in the funeral industry, where she now helps guide families through the complex and emotional journey of organising a funeral.

A Commitment to Family and Culture

Shinae is a devoted mother of five children and spends her time exploring her new surroundings in Australia when she’s not at work. She believes in showing her children the beauty of the world around them and the importance of culture and heritage. Her Māori roots, whakapapa to Te Aroha, play an important role in both her personal life and professional career.

Shinae brings her Māori heritage to the forefront of her work, offering traditional Māori funeral services that honour the customs and beliefs of Māori families. She deeply values culture and is committed to ensuring that all families, regardless of their religion or background, receive a dignified and respectful farewell for their loved ones. Whether it’s incorporating karakia (prayers), haka (traditional dance), or other Māori customs, Shinae provides a service that is both meaningful and culturally appropriate.

Expertise in Cultural and Religious Services

While Shinae specialises in traditional Māori funeral services, her skills and experience extend to all cultural and religious beliefs. She is able to cater to a wide range of funeral traditions, ensuring that each family’s unique customs and preferences are honoured. From Christian services to Buddhist, Hindu, or Islamic funerals, Shinae takes pride in her ability to guide families through the process with care and understanding.

Shinae’s expertise also includes offering practical advice and suggestions to families. She helps them navigate the options available to them, ensuring that they are informed about every step of the process. Whether it’s selecting a casket, arranging for cultural rituals, or deciding on a burial or cremation, Shinae is there to provide support and guidance.

Personal Approach to Funeral Care

For Shinae, taking care of a loved one who has passed away is not just a professional duty; it is an honour. She understands that every family has its own needs and preferences, and she takes great care to personalise each funeral service to reflect the life and personality of the deceased. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large traditional ceremony, Shinae works closely with families to ensure that every detail is attended to.

From the moment a loved one is entrusted into her care, Shinae goes above and beyond to ensure that the service is dignified, respectful, and meaningful. She believes that every farewell should be as unique as the person it honours, and she takes pride in creating services that celebrate the life of the individual in a way that feels true to their spirit.

A Compassionate Guide Through Grief

Shinae’s personal experience with loss has given her a deep empathy for those who are grieving. She knows that grief is not something that can be “fixed,” but something that must be navigated with care and compassion. Her role is to help families through this difficult time, providing them with the support, guidance, and space they need to say goodbye in their own way.

Shinae’s gentle and empathetic approach to funeral care is what sets her apart. She is there to listen, to offer comfort, and to help families create a service that honours their loved one’s memory. At Premier Funerals, we are proud to have Shinae as part of our team, and we know that her warmth, expertise, and dedication will make a lasting impact on the families she serves.

Conclusion

Shinae’s combination of cultural knowledge, professional expertise, and personal understanding of grief makes her a valuable part of the Premier Funerals team. Her ability to cater to a wide range of cultural and religious traditions, coupled with her commitment to providing personalised, meaningful services, ensures that every family she works with feels supported and respected. We are honoured to have Shinae as our Māori Funeral Director and know that her compassionate approach will continue to help families find comfort during their most difficult times.