29/04/2026
Tēnā koutou katoa. Ngā mihi mahana ki te hapori o Kawerau.
My wife Memory and I, Hemi Mooney, are proud to walk alongside our community as local Funeral Consultants under HMLFS Funeral Consultancy since March 2025. Over many years we have lived, worked and been part of community life here in Kawerau, building relationships and supporting whānau in different ways. I once played league with the Tarawera Raiders and worked with the Salvation Army Employment Plus, Gateway Funeral Service and Tūwharetoa Hauora ki Kawerau. Memory has cared for our kaumātua and whānau through Mountainview Rest Home and other independent health agencies.
What makes our service a little different is our focus on affordability and whānau involvement. The more whānau choose to participate in caring for their loved one, the less they need from us, which helps keep costs down. We are registered with Work and Income New Zealand, where whānau are able to use the Funeral Grant to help manage their funeral expenses. Our role is to provide information, guidance and support so whānau feel confident and empowered. We talk with individuals and families, offer workshops and wānanga, and help demystify the funeral process so people can make informed choices that feel right for them.
We also work respectfully alongside the funeral homes that service Kawerau. There are certain situations, such as deaths referred to the coroner, where privacy is needed, as these moments often involve trauma. Our aim is always to protect whānau wellbeing and ensure the right support is in place. Our first year has been a meaningful and humbling journey, supporting whānau through some of life’s most tender moments. If you are on your own or have limited support, please know you are still welcome to reach out.
We provide resources to support funerals at home or on Marae like:
• Manaaki Mats (Cold Gel Packs)
• Moe Mai Cooling Pads (Horizontal Refridgeration Unit)
• MDF Caskets. Full-Lid and Split-Lid on most sizes. All caskets are fully trimmed.
• Takapau Wharanui (an alternative to a casket) created and supervised by Toby Salmon
• Harakeke wraps, however, pre-planning and whānau availability is required. These are woven with the support and kaitiaki of local Kai-rāranga.
• Rongoa and natural remedies sourced and created locally.
Pre planning can ease stress and uncertainty when the time comes. If you would like a pamphlet, business card or End of Life Care Plan, feel free to get in touch. We are here to help in a way that is gentle, respectful and centred on whānau needs. Office hours: Monday – Wednesday, 10.00am – 3.00pm. If we are unavailable, you are welcome to call or contact us on the numbers below.
HMLFS Funeral Consultancy
60 Onslow St, Kawerau
027 415 651 or 0204 004 1683
