About Us
A HELPING HAND THROUGH THE HARDEST TIME
Affinity is here to provide professional help and experience at one of life's most challenging times.
Celebrating life for 120 years
Blending experience and empathy, introducing the team at Affinity Funerals...
When you meet one of the dedicated team at Affinity it will quickly become apparent that you are in safe hands. Their professional approach and ability to listen and understand your specific needs will provide reassurance that you have entrusted the right people to aid in farewelling your loved one.
Gary Wybrow
A fully qualified embalmer and funeral director, Gary brings two decades of experience to his role as Affinity's Managing Funeral Director. The opportunity to return to Central Otago, where he began his working life, fitted perfectly with his love of the rivers, lakes and hills, which he enjoys exploring with his wife Averill and daughters Hannah and Sarah.
Janice Millis
When Janice gained her qualification as a Funeral Director in 2011 she fulfilled a long-time ambition. Over a decade later she continues to utilize her event management skills to create meaningful services for the families she works with, each one personalized to provide a truly memorable farewell for the person that has lived. In her spare time you will see Janice supporting her grandchildren's sports endeavours, stage performing or directing theatre or organising community events.
Lynley Claridge
In addition to working as an Associate of a local accounting firm, Lynley has served as a Trustee of the Central Lakes Trust, a councillor on the Central Otago District Council and a member of the Dunstan Hospital Board. This widely diverse range of experience, coupled with her love of working with people positioned Lynley perfectly for her role as a funeral director, a role which she has passionately fulfilled since she co-founded Affinity.
Paul Tamati
Paul identifies with the incredible changes in the communities that he was brought up in, Cromwell, Alexandra and Wanaka, where he resides with his family. A 30-year background in hospitality and retail and his love for giving back to his community have steered him into the Funeral Industry. A proud Maori, Paul appreciates cultural diversity and respects people from all faiths and beliefs.
Tami Rubie
Tami moved to Central Otago with her family in 2010 for the climate, and stayed for the lifestyle. Coming from a farming and veterinary background, and as a volunteer for St John and Fire and Emergency NZ, she is experienced in working in rapidly changing situations. She believes in practising inclusive care for all the families she engages with as a funeral director.
Julie MacDonald
Julie is our caterer. Her love of all things food has kept her busy in the catering industry for 8 years. With her ability to combine freshness and flavour with a flair for presentation, the kitchen is her 'happy place'.
Jane Stalker
Originally from Scotland, Jane has called New Zealand home since 1988. As a qualified JP, Jane finds administering this service and communicating with people from all walks of life a rewarding experience and one that links well with her role at Affinity where she is privileged to assist families through their loved one's final journey. She is also the event manager at the Wanaka A & P Show, a position she enjoys and has held for the past 25 years.
Looking for more information?
In this brochure you will find helpful information on what to think about if you are planning a funeral for someone who has died, or pre-planning your own or someone else’s funeral. We hope this information offers you some insight and reassurance that we are here to support you every step of the way.