Meet our team of funeral directors in New Plymouth

Let us redefine the meaning of personalised service

Vospers has been the cornerstone of support for families in the area for over 90 years, offering guidance and compassion during life’s most challenging moments.

Renowned for our attentive, personal approach, we ensure every detail of your loved one’s farewell reflects their unique personality and legacy.

Kelsey Kearns

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Manager, Funeral Director & Embalmer

Taking on the role of Manager at Vospers Funeral Services marks a meaningful new chapter for Kelsey Kearns, who brings a strong, people‑focused approach to one of life’s most important services.

Kelsey’s connection to Taranaki began when she arrived to attend boarding school, and she quickly fell in love with the region’s lifestyle, people, and the strong sense of community. Taranaki has been home ever since.

Kelsey joined the funeral industry at the age of 25, beginning her career as an embalmer, she soon discovered a real sense of purpose in the work and has never looked back. Over time, Kelsey worked across all aspects of the profession, gaining a deep understanding of the industry that ultimately led her to Vospers Funeral Services. Drawn to the meaningful, people‑focused nature of the work, she values the opportunity to support families through one of the most challenging times they will face. “Working in this industry is a privilege that I don’t take lightly,” she says. “Every family brings a unique story and a lifetime of memories, and it’s important those stories are honoured with care, dignity, and respect.”

Her focus is on fostering a welcoming environment where people feel genuinely cared for, listened to, and respected, with empathy and integrity guiding every interaction.

Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys life with her partner, son, and two dogs. She can often be found at a local cafe, out mountain biking, or attending arts events and concerts, activities that help keep her grounded, and closely connected to the community she is proud to serve.

Jacqueline Cox

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Funeral Director & Embalmer

Jacqueline started her funeral career at Vospers Funeral Services in 2013 after a very successful career as a Travel Consultant and Manager. She brought with her a keen eye for detail and a vast array of organisational ability, which complemented the Embalming and Funeral Directing skills she learned. She studied at Weltec and graduated as a qualified Embalmer in 2016 and a qualified Funeral Director in 2019.

Jacqueline had the distinction of being the top student of her Funeral Directing course, an achievement that is a testimony to her empathy and skill, as much as her determination and a reflection of her hard work.

Jacqueline’s over-arching philosophy is that she will do everything in her power to ensure every person she works with will be able to wake up the morning after the funeral having no regrets. It is about being able to make a difference in people’s lives.