When there is a death in the family it is an incredibly stressful time. Not only are you coping with your own grief but there are also many things that must be done before a funeral can take place. At Harding’s we will look after the details. We can organize the celebrant, flowers, newspaper notices, catering, service sheets, audio-visual presentation, webcasting and more.
We make the process simple. We will take you through the funeral process one step at a time. We explain things as we go and answer each one of your questions. Our philosophy is “nothing is too much trouble”, so tell us what you want, and we will do everything to make it happen.
We make the process simple. We will take you through the funeral process one step at a time. We explain things as we go and answer each one of your questions. Our philosophy is “nothing is too much trouble”, so tell us what you want, and we will do everything to make it happen.
We are a family business
The Harding family established and ran the funeral business for three generations spanning a long standing 107 years. Selling to Kelly and Shaun Judkins has meant that Hardings Funerals continues to be family owned and locally operated by people who do things the Hardings way. This means putting you and your family first. You simply tell us the type of funeral you want, and we will do everything in our power to deliver it.
Our home is your home. Where you have a funeral is completely up to you. You might want a small private service at home, or our place where we have a small chapel for up to 50 people with live stream capability. You may want a farewell on the beach, the family farm, at a place special to you, or you may want a huge celebration. You choose a place and we will make it happen. We have good relationships with several venues in the South Taranaki District, and can help you create an event for a funeral that is appropriate to your needs.
Our home is your home. Where you have a funeral is completely up to you. You might want a small private service at home, or our place where we have a small chapel for up to 50 people with live stream capability. You may want a farewell on the beach, the family farm, at a place special to you, or you may want a huge celebration. You choose a place and we will make it happen. We have good relationships with several venues in the South Taranaki District, and can help you create an event for a funeral that is appropriate to your needs.
Kelly Judkins
Diploma in Funeral Service
Born and bred in South Taranaki, Kelly is well known in the community she calls home. This has been strengthened over the years by serving in various organizations such as Victim Support in the past, council, a marriage celebrant, and as a Justice of the Peace.
Currently in her 30th year of funeral service, Kelly has qualified in both disciplines of embalming, and funeral directing. She has served on the executive of the New Zealand Embalmers Association, and held office on the editorial board for the industry magazine.
She delights in community involvement, and is keenly invested in Hardings Funerals being regarded as a solid business that the community can rely upon.
Kelly is married to Shaun, and have adult children who all live in Hawera and Australia. Family is important to Kelly and a lazy weekend with a table of food and friends is how she likes to spend her time when not at work.
Kelly and Shaun's dream of being a locally owned and operated funeral home became true in June 2019, when Malcolm Harding sold the business to Kelly and Shaun.
As with all local businesses, they are proud to be truly locally owned and operated where as much as possible can be invested back into the community.
Currently in her 30th year of funeral service, Kelly has qualified in both disciplines of embalming, and funeral directing. She has served on the executive of the New Zealand Embalmers Association, and held office on the editorial board for the industry magazine.
She delights in community involvement, and is keenly invested in Hardings Funerals being regarded as a solid business that the community can rely upon.
Kelly is married to Shaun, and have adult children who all live in Hawera and Australia. Family is important to Kelly and a lazy weekend with a table of food and friends is how she likes to spend her time when not at work.
Kelly and Shaun's dream of being a locally owned and operated funeral home became true in June 2019, when Malcolm Harding sold the business to Kelly and Shaun.
As with all local businesses, they are proud to be truly locally owned and operated where as much as possible can be invested back into the community.
Brittany Corlett
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Brittany’s background was in customer service, and this has certainly helped Brittany taking on the role of a funeral director and embalmer. She joined Hardings in 2017.
Her bright and bubbly nature is refreshing in the office and her sensitive side works well with those she serves. She is extremely family orientated and this always shows in the way she cares for families.
She enjoys eating in restaurants around the area – with Italian cuisine being a firm favourite!
While Brittany’s focus is in the preparation and presentation of the deceased, she is currently working towards a qualification in Funeral Service. Both roles she takes great pride in.
Brittany’s future goal is to become formally qualified in both disciplines, funeral service and embalming.
Her bright and bubbly nature is refreshing in the office and her sensitive side works well with those she serves. She is extremely family orientated and this always shows in the way she cares for families.
She enjoys eating in restaurants around the area – with Italian cuisine being a firm favourite!
While Brittany’s focus is in the preparation and presentation of the deceased, she is currently working towards a qualification in Funeral Service. Both roles she takes great pride in.
Brittany’s future goal is to become formally qualified in both disciplines, funeral service and embalming.
Jordie Shaw
Funeral Director/ Embalmer
Relocating from the busy city of Tauranga, the township of Hawera was appealing to Jordie because of its sense of community.
Before joining Hardings in 2017 he worked in many different fields – all with a common hands on factor.
Getting a lot of satisfaction from helping family through the funeral process, Jordie has learnt that each family is unique.
He can be relied on for his thorough communication skill and empathetic service.
Technology is an interest of Jordies and he uses this interest to create powerful personalized funerals.
Currently studying towards his qualification in funeral service, he is enjoying the depth of knowledge and this definitely enhances his service to you as a client.
Before joining Hardings in 2017 he worked in many different fields – all with a common hands on factor.
Getting a lot of satisfaction from helping family through the funeral process, Jordie has learnt that each family is unique.
He can be relied on for his thorough communication skill and empathetic service.
Technology is an interest of Jordies and he uses this interest to create powerful personalized funerals.
Currently studying towards his qualification in funeral service, he is enjoying the depth of knowledge and this definitely enhances his service to you as a client.
Shani Boyack
Trainee Embalmer and Funeral Director
Shani is born and bred South Taranaki and joined the Hardings team early 2023.
She relates well to both young and old with a quiet sense of service.
Currently assisting at funerals, Shani is busy learning and exceling in the art and science of embalming.
She is your port of call when you wish for complete personalisation of your memorial book.
She relates well to both young and old with a quiet sense of service.
Currently assisting at funerals, Shani is busy learning and exceling in the art and science of embalming.
She is your port of call when you wish for complete personalisation of your memorial book.