At Tong & Peryer, our team is carefully selected for their empathy, expertise, and dedication to supporting Hawke’s Bay families through grief. We guide you with sensitivity, handling practical details so you can focus on healing and remembrance. Our care extends before, during, and after a loss, creating meaningful tributes that reflect your loved one’s life.
As a third-generation funeral director, Terry feels honoured to continue his family’s legacy. From childhood, he helped at the funeral home, learning the ropes early on. Now in his 30s, with qualifications in business management and funeral directing, Terry excels at crafting personalised ceremonies. His patience, kindness, and compassion shine through. Outside work, he enjoys aviation, running, and stargazing—dreaming of his ashes one day returning to space.
Raised in Hastings, Steve explored the world before returning home in 2021. After 25 years in telecommunications and finance, he sought deeper purpose, becoming certified in life coaching, massage, reiki, and as a death doula. His global experiences across diverse cultures shaped his views on life and death. Steve finds fulfillment in supporting families during critical times. He loves good food, wine, travel, and spending time with friends, family, and his mentee Teddy, whom he mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand.
With over 20 years’ experience, Michael is a cornerstone of our team and a familiar face in Hawke’s Bay. Starting at 16 sweeping floors in Whanganui, he pursued his passion here. Known for charm and humour, he builds generational trust and takes pride in embalming to help families remember loved ones beautifully. Michael lives in Havelock North with his wife and two children, enjoying family time, food, and golf.
Hawke’s Bay native Toni transitioned from seven years as a hospital orderly (with a front-line business management qualification) to funeral directing in 2023. She focuses on stress-free arrangements, ensuring every detail honours the deceased. Married to Bayden, with two boys and two dogs, Toni enjoys baking indulgent treats, op-shop browsing, and weekend Mitre 10 visits.
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Born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, Grant recently began a new chapter as a Funeral Director, bringing compassion and care to his families. A proud husband and father of three, he finds balance in the outdoors—gardening, walking with the family Border Collie Indie, or tackling New Zealand’s Great Walks.
After 14 years in Tauranga, managing Michael Hill Jeweller’s branch and later owning a service station, Grant returned home to Hawkes Bay in 2002 to be closer to family and friends. Grounded and community-minded, he is dedicated to making a positive difference both professionally and personally.
Hawke’s Bay born and bred, Nicola joined the funeral industry in 2016 after working in veterinary care and breeding show ponies. Her exceptional cosmetician skills, especially in trauma cases, allow families to view loved ones when it seemed impossible, bringing immense gratitude.
With over 25 years’ experience as a funeral celebrant, Anne joined the Tong & Peryer team full time after 30 years in banking (as a Business Development Officer at the National Bank of New Zealand) and as chaplain at Hereworth School. Growing up in Timaru, where her father was the local funeral director, she developed deep respect for the industry from an early age—visiting the funeral home daily after school and leading her first service at 21. Married to Warren, with a grown family and grandson, Anne views her role as a calling, passionately supporting people in times of need while cherishing community connections built over decades. In her spare time, she and Warren enjoy tending their garden at home.
From Invercargill, Warren is an ordained Presbyterian minister and JP with degrees in psychology and theology. He has served communities for 40 years, including 24 as chaplain at Lindisfarne College, building lasting relationships. Now retired, he coordinates our grief support, gently guiding families through post-bereavement care. Married to Anne, they’ve led hundreds of funerals together and are cherished by Hawke’s Bay families. In his spare time, he enjoys tending the garden at home with Anne.
New to funerals but experienced in helping others, Theo holds a bachelor’s in communications studies. She transforms concepts into creative tributes capturing personalities, finding it deeply rewarding. Honoured with a lifetime achievement award for leading AUT’s rainbow group, Theo now calls Hawke’s Bay home. Married to Izzy, with two cats and a dog, she spends downtime photographing nature.
Funella, our beloved team member from Gisborne, joined us in January 2025 at just eight weeks old. She loves zoomies, food, and meeting people. With uncanny intuition, Funella offers enthusiastic greetings and cuddles to those needing comfort most.