Meet our caring team of Funeral Directors
We live in the community we serve
With a heartfelt dedication to delivering a personalised and caring experience, our team brings a wealth of expertise to ensure your wishes are carried out to the full.
We actively engage with the communities we serve, and your unique needs are at the forefront of everything we do.
Leanne joined Forrest Funeral Services in 2011 and has been involved in the funeral industry for more than 20 years. She’s a registered Funeral Director, having graduated in 2014 after completing the National Diploma of Funeral Directing. She’s passionate about her work, and committed to helping the families she works with. She considers it a privilege to assist at such a vulnerable and emotional time.
Leanne lives in Gulf Harbour and is a member of many local organisations: Whangaparaoa Rotary Club, Orewa Lions, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Destination Orewa, Whangaparaoa Business, and the Harbour Hospice Hibiscus Fundraising Committee.
She loves the Hibiscus Coast lifestyle, walking the local beaches and boating.
Bob has been a Funeral Director for 45 years and is fully conversant with all aspects of the funeral profession. Bob is pleased to be now working with the Forrest team and continuing to care for bereaved families. Bob is married to Pat and they both enjoy spending time with family, especially their six year old grandson. Bob and Pat have lived in Orewa for over 10 years and throughout that time have been serving the coast. Bob has strong Scottish heritage and loves anything Scottish! Bob is an avid armchair follower of most sports but especially rugby and cricket.
Samuel’s journey to joining Forrests in 2023 has been both intriguing and enriching. He began as a volunteer with the St. John Ambulance Service in 2003, and after a few years, transitioned to a career as a flight attendant, where he delivered exceptional service across all classes, from economy to first class. Following many years in aviation, Samuel returned to the ambulance service as a paid member, motivated by a desire to be present for his son. Ultimately, he sought a career with deeper significance and discovered that the role of a funeral director was the perfect fit for him.
Craig Early is a Funeral Director at Forrest Funeral Services, dedicated to serving families with compassion, professionalism, and genuine care. While relatively new to the funeral profession, Craig brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the Defence Force medical field, where empathy, dignity, and service to others were central to his work.
His background enables him to support families with calm assurance, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the emotional challenges that accompany loss. Craig is committed to creating meaningful and personalised farewells, ensuring every family feels heard, supported, and respected throughout the funeral journey. Craig considers it a privilege to guide and support families during one of the most significant and challenging times in their lives.
Having spent many years working in the palliative care environment, Natalie brings experience, compassion and understanding to her role as a Funeral Director at Forrest Funeral Services. Her transition into funeral directing was driven by a genuine desire to support families beyond end-of-life care, helping them navigate their final farewell while creating meaningful opportunities to celebrate and honour the lives of those they love.
Natalie has always been an active member of her local community, volunteering her time through her son’s rugby and various hospice events. She believes strongly in giving back and building meaningful connections with those around her.
Compassion, transparency and commitment are the values Natalie lives by, both personally and professionally. She takes pride in ensuring every family feels heard, supported and genuinely cared for.
Outside of work, Natalie treasures everyday life with her husband, three sons and elderly mother. Family is the heart of everything she does, and she believes in making the most of every moment, never taking life’s precious moments for granted.
Our staff are all community-minded individuals who do the best they can to honour the families wishes of those they serve.
Contact our caring team for help
Forrest Funeral Services in Auckland is here for you when you need us. Whether you have an urgent funeral to arrange, or would like to discuss how to pre-plan a funeral.
Browns Bay, North Shore
Ph 09 479 5956
Orewa
Ph 09 426 7950
