About us

To Honour | To Remember | To Heal.

Celebrating over 140 years of service.

From Cabinetmakers to Comfort-Bringers – Our Story Since 1878

At Tong & Peryer Funeral Directors, our roots in Hawke’s Bay stretch all the way back to 1878—yes, before cars, phones, and even sliced bread! What began as S.T. Tong – Cabinetmaker and Undertaker (because multitasking was a thing even back then) has grown into a funeral home known for heartfelt care and 24/7 service.

The transition to Tong & Peryer Ltd came thanks to Charles Oswald “Ossie” Tong, who rolled up his sleeves in his father’s business before co-founding what we now proudly carry forward. With nearly a century and a half of service under our belt, we’ve been walking alongside families in their toughest moments, offering comfort, guidance, and a whole lot of kindness.

Now part of the Propel Funeral Partners family—one of the largest providers of funeral services in New Zealand and Australia—we’re still very much your local team. Terry Longley Jnr remains at the helm as General Manager, ensuring our values (and humour) remain true to our Hawke’s Bay heart.

Because when it matters most, we’re here—day or night, rain or shine, always with compassion……… and, maybe a cuppa at one of our grief cafes…….

As old as Hastings itself

In eighteen seventy-eight, it all began,
With steady hands and a humble plan.
S.T. Tong, a craftsman true,
Built fine cabinets—and coffins too.

In Hastings town, with heart and grace,
He helped farewell each soul in place.
With timber smooth and polish bright,
He shaped the beds for final night.

Then came Peryer, strong and kind,
A partner with the same clear mind.
Together they forged more than trade—
A service built, a trust well laid.

Through wars and floods, through joy and strife,
They stood as guides through end of life.
Through changing times and grieving years,
They offered comfort, held back tears.

Generations passed, yet still they stay,
By Hawke’s Bay’s side, come night or day.
Not just a name above a door—
But stories lived and something more.

Now Tong & Peryer still remains,
With modern care and old-world veins.
A legacy of love and light,
Helping families face the night.

So raise a thought to those who’ve gone,
And those who helped us carry on.
With gentle strength and steady hands,
They honour life—where memory stands.

We have kindly been given a copy of an old invoice (Thanks to Christine Stork – of Hastings), showing the costs for a funeral service held in 1922 of fifteen pounds, seven shillings, and sixpence, and the telephone number was 121 and private contact 483…….. how times change.

Our Philosophy

Building on 150 years of legacy, Tong & Peryer Funeral Directors is embracing a fresh approach to death care.

Through innovation, service excellence, and sustainability, we want to deliver seamless, wrap-around support for families across the entire end-of-life journey and set the benchmark for modern funeral services in Hawkes Bay.

Our Purpose

Blending tradition with a contemporary touch, we foster genuine connection through thoughtful guidance to craft meaningful experiences that truly resonate. Rooted in a proud legacy of service, we’re reshaping the conversation around death by embracing innovation, cultural inclusion, and sustainability. Every farewell we create is bespoke, affordable, and deeply personal – because every life deserves to be remembered on its own terms.

Our Mission

At the heart of Hawke’s Bay, we provide compassionate, personalised care that transforms funerals into powerful personal tributes. With innovative memorialisation and a deep commitment to connection, we honour every life, foster lasting community ties, and help families navigate the complexities of grief and express their farewells with meaning and grace.