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Staff Profiles

"Our Family Caring for Your Family"

An introduction to the Wheeler family of Guardian Funeral Home, Porirua City.

By Maree Wheeler

I grew up in the small coastal beach town of Porangahau in Southern Hawkes Bay where my family have been farming in the area for many years. I was educated at Napier Girls High School and after obtained a Trade Certificate in hairdressing, left New Zealand for some OE; travelling extensively through Europe, The British Isles and Ireland. In 1985 I returned to manage a hair salon in Auckland. I married Stuart in 1987 and we have two daughters Courtney and Alexandra.

My new career began when we bought Guardian Funeral Home in Porirua City. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of helping to run a business and have learnt a tremendous amount. My great love is dealing with people and the diversity of the different cultures and religions within this area.

Stuart, the Hon Annette King, Minister of Police and Peter Strong at the Grand Hall Parliament Buildings holding the NZ Special Services Medal (Erebus)-22 March 2007.
Stuart was born in Foxton, and is the second son of the late Nan and Reverend Malcolm Wheeler (Anglican Priest, Wellington Diocese). Educated at Rathkeale College, Masterton. Stuart commenced his working career in January 1969 at the Wilson Funeral Home in Wellington. Since that he has spent five years living in South Africa during that time he was extensively involved as a funeral director in the 1976 Soweto riots. Returned to NZ December 1977.

In December 1979 he was selected to assist the NZ Police at the Auckland School of Medicine with the Mount Erebus DC10 disaster victims. In recognition for his efforts during this very difficult time, he has been presented with a New Zealand Special Services Medal (NZSSM).

1984 he commenced business in Otahuhu, Auckland on his own account, where 80% of his work was involved with the Pacific Island community.

For 6 years he managed a Wellington funeral home. While there he had the honour of directing the State Funeral of Sir David Beattie. And the funerals with full Military Honours for Major General Walter McKinnon and Lieutenant General Sir Leonard Thornton.

Stuart is a Member of the NZ Embalmers Association (MNZEA) and the British Institute of Embalmers (MBIE) and has been a qualified funeral director for over 40 years.

We are members of the Plimmerton Rotary Club, Committee members for The Kapiti Mana Victim Support and supporters of "Skylight" the organisation who help young people deal with change, loss and grief.