Meet our team of funeral directors in New Plymouth

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.

Born and raised in Inglewood, Kellie’s roots run deep in Taranaki. She and her husband, Pete, continue to call Inglewood home as they raise their three children — Jadea‑Lee, Kayden, and Gracie.

Before entering the funeral profession, Kellie built a successful career as an internationally recognised Beauty Therapist, Salon Manager, and Business Owner. Even throughout that chapter, she held close a childhood dream: to become a Funeral Director and Embalmer. In 2019, she turned that dream into reality.

Kellie brings warmth, empathy, and genuine care to every family she supports. With mental health being close to her heart, she understands that grief is not only emotional — it can affect every part of a person’s wellbeing. Her sensitivity to the complexities of grief allows her to walk alongside families with compassion, patience, and a deep awareness of the many ways people experience loss.

She is committed to creating a safe, comforting environment where families feel heard, supported, and never rushed. Kellie’s friendly, down‑to‑earth nature and her ability to balance professionalism with heartfelt connection help families feel at ease during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Known for her vibrant personality and natural sense of humour, Kellie brings both strength and warmth to her role, relating to people from all walks of life.

Outside of work, Kellie appreciates time with her husband and children. She’s often found enjoying a round of golf in Inglewood, chain saw in hand or splitting firewood on a sunny day, or unwinding with a good book in the spa.

Eion is our Office Administrator and is often the first friendly face you’ll see when arriving at Vospers. With his welcoming smile and calm manner, he helps put families at ease from the moment they walk through the door.

Alongside his reception and administration duties, Eion is very much our “jack of all trades.” Always willing to lend a hand, he supports the team in a wide range of ways — from washing vehicles to assisting at funerals, and everything in between. His reliability, initiative, and team‑first mindset make him an incredibly valued member of the Vospers team.

Outside of work, Eion is a proud husband to Natasha and a devoted father of six, a role that has certainly sharpened his multitasking, negotiation, and organisational skills. Loyalty, teamwork, and respect sit at the heart of who Eion is, both professionally and personally.

Sport has played a significant role in Eion’s life. A retired rugby and rugby league player, coach, and referee, he brings many of the skills learned on and around the sporting field into his work — including discipline, leadership, and a strong sense of teamwork. Eion brings heart, humour, and a dependable presence to everything he does.

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, knowing their loved one had a meaningful farewell. It is about being able to make a difference in people’s lives.