Nepia Funeral Services
Restoring Aroha to Funeral Care in Ngaaruawaahia
Nepia Funeral Services
Restoring Aroha to Funeral Care in Ngaaruawaahia
Over the past year, Nepia Funeral Services has cared for more than 80 families in their times of greatest need. This locally-owned funeral home is boosting the local Ngaaruawaahia economy while honoring the deep cultural traditions that make each farewell meaningful.
The story of Nepia Funeral Services began not with a business plan, but with a son's love for his father. After 25 years working in the funeral industry, Jack Nepia noticed that the kaupapa around the fundamental principles of caring for people had been lost in his experience and when his own father passed, Jack knew exactly what families needed.
In 2024, Jack and his wife Donna established Nepia Funeral Services in Ngaaruawaahia, bringing funeral care back to its roots. Their vision was simple yet profound: provide affordable, culturally appropriate funeral services grounded in aroha, whanaungatanga, and authentic care for the Waikato community they call home.
Today, their small family-owned business serves local Waikato families and extends its reach to Auckland when needed to offer an alternative when needed.
What sets Nepia Funeral Services apart is their intimate understanding of tikanga Maaori and diverse cultural protocols. His 25 years of experience has taught him exactly what families need during their most vulnerable moments.
This knowledge, combined with minimal overheads from operating as a tight-knit family business, just Jack, his wife, and their two sons when extra hands are needed, allows them to keep prices affordable without compromising on care or quality.
The impact extends beyond grieving families. By bringing more funerals to Ngaaruawaahia rather than routing them to larger centres, Nepia Funeral Services has created a ripple effect throughout the local economy. When a funeral is held in town, even a smaller gathering of 80 people, local cafes and eateries fill with visitors, shops see increased foot traffic, and the entire business community benefits.
Over their first year, they've had the privilege of caring for Maaori, European, Scottish, Irish, English, Hawaiian, Niuean, Tongan families and more, witnessing how diverse communities come together in times of loss.
For Jack, the most rewarding part of being a funeral director isn't measured in business metrics, it's the hug from a family at the end of their service, the unspoken gratitude that says "you helped us when we needed it most." These moments of connection fuel what drives Nepia Funeral Services forward.
The journey to opening wasn't without challenges. Navigating council regulations and gathering necessary resources required significant support, which Takitini was able to provide. This assistance proved invaluable in helping Jack and his wife transform their longstanding dream into a thriving reality that serves their community.
Looking ahead, Nepia Funeral Services envisions becoming an even more integral part of the Waikato's fabric. A place where every family, regardless of their cultural background or financial circumstances, can farewell their loved ones with dignity, respect, and the aroha they deserve.
Learn more about Nepia Funeral Services at www.nepiafuneralservices.nz
