top of page

ABOUT US

OUR CARING TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS

VJ Williams & Sons
Phil New

Managing Director
Dip. Funeral Director & Dip. Embalmer

Phil joined VJ Williams in 2006. In 2008 he graduated with a Diploma of Embalming, and in 2011 a Diploma of Funeral Directing. Phil strongly advocates education in the funeral industry. Phil juggles owing and managing a business with being the Chief Fire Officer of the Te Kuiti Fire Brigade and is a valuable committee member of Legendary Te Kuiti.  He enjoys playing badminton and social soccer.
Sarah1 2020 (2).jpg

Sarah Snookes

Funeral Director & Embalmer

​

Sarah joined the team in October 2020 previously enjoying a career in tourism.  She is currently studying for her Diploma of Funeral Directing and is competent to embalm. Sarah enjoys installing and refurbishing headstones. Married to Steve, Sarah was born and raised in Otorohanga and in her spare time raises funds for charity with a group called “The Fun Raising Chicks.” She too volunteers for the New Zealand Fire Service, in the Otorohanga and Te Kuiti brigades. 

DSC00033.jpg
Janene New

Director & Celebrant

Janene works part-time in the business and is also an urban councillor for the Waitomo District Council.  Passionate about her community Janene is also the chairperson of Legendary Te Kuiti, secretary for Waitomo Sister City Inc and a Rotarian. Married to Phil, Janene is also a wedding and funeral celebrant.  They have three adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren. In her spare time Janene raises funds for Cystic Fibrosis through a Facebook page “Made With Love”.
20190828_134633.jpg

Lynette King

Administrator

​

Lynette joined the firm in 2019 and in addition to administrative duties is the headstone and plaque consultant for V J Williams & Sons. Lynette can show you the options available and work with you to provide a fitting monument as the lasting tribute tor your family member.  Lynette is married to Darren (also a volunteer fire fighter) and they have two adult children.  Lynette has been involved in local committees throughout their children’s schooling years and is an avid supporter of their sporting pursuits

FDANZ.png
Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ)
Code of Ethics

Members of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand and the individual funeral directors on its register recognise the responsibilities entrusted to them in their relationships with:
 

  • the bereaved they serve

​

  • the public at large

 

  • the profession of which they are a part.


To accept as a duty the maintenance of truth, accuracy, dignity and good taste. Specifically they have agreed:
 

  • To maintain in all matters the highest standards of business, professional and personal conduct.

 

  • To respect in all circumstances the confidentiality and trust placed in them by reason of their function and calling.

 

  • To preserve within the bounds of dignity, good taste and practicality, the right of personal choice and decision-making for the families they serve, and due regard for the ethnic origin and spiritual beliefs of the deceased person.

 

  • To maintain qualified and competent personnel with facilities and equipment adequate to provide a comprehensive funeral service.

​

  • To provide accurate information concerning the range of services and merchandise available, the prices of the same, and the functions and responsibilities accepted on behalf of their clients.

NZ-embalmers-association.png
New Zealand Embalmers Association (NZEA)
Code of Ethics

Membership to the NZEA requires strict adherence to the following Code of Ethics:
 

  • As an embalmer I fully acknowledge my individual and collective obligations to safeguard the public health, especially of those whom I serve, and my mutual responsibility for the proper welfare of the funeral profession.

 

  • I will at all times and in all circumstances vigilantly support the laws of our country, and render service with absolute fidelity, observing the highest standard of competence and dignity.

 

  • I will at all times treat with confidence my business and professional relationships, co-operate with customs of all races, nationalities and creeds, observe the respect due to the deceased and ensure that all services are provided without any form of deception or misleading representation.

 

  • As a member of this association I will share my knowledge and skill with fellow members.

 

  • I will at all times and support high educational standards, improve techniques and encourage scientific research, observe all rules of fair competition and maintain favourable personal relations within our own, and allied professions.

 

  • I will ensure at all times that public announcements are such as will not bring criticism to fellow members and disrepute to our profession.

 

  • As an embalmer I acknowledge my duty to make myself fully conversant with the rules of this association and abide and adhere to them at all times.

bottom of page