People you can depend on to go the extra mile

At Forrests, our funeral directors are very much part of the community and are passionate about providing a professional and caring service.

To find out more about the extra care our team offers, please phone Forrest Funeral Services at East Coast Bays on 09 479 5956 or Hibiscus Coast in Orewa on 09 426 7950.

Andrew Blanche
Forrest Funeral Services manager Andrew Blanche has been a funeral director for five years, and is thoroughly enjoying the North Shore climate and lifestyle after working in more southern climes. "A lot of people ask me why I became a funeral director. I think the main reason is the grief that I have experienced in my life, after the loss of my mother at an early age and other close family members since." In his spare time Andrew likes nothing more than getting out on the open road on his 1000cc BMW bike, and playing records from his music collection.
Kim Main
Funeral director Kim Main has lived on the North Shore for many years. Kim has a background that is varied, from running her own companies to interior design. In her spare time, Kim enjoys walking the dogs with her family on the beach just across the road from her Orewa home.
German Gurzihy
Funeral director German Gurzihy comes to Forrests via Australia from Russia, where he worked in pathology. German is very much a family man, enjoying time out with his son Philip and his wife Victoria, and is also very interested in architecture and gardening.
Graeme Rodgers
Funeral Director Graeme Rodgers became a full time funeral director two years ago, after thirty years involvement on a part time basis in the funeral industry. Previously, Graeme was a RNZ Navy radio operator and member of the Fire Service. Graeme has lived in Browns Bay for thirty years and is experienced in helping people in times of distress. In his spare time he enjoys relaxing out on the Hauraki Gulf in his leisure boat.
Ralph Starck
Funeral Director Ralph Starck joined Forrest Funeral Services at the Browns Bay Office and has recently transferred to the Orewa Office on the Hibiscus Coast. He came to Funeral Directing after a managerial career in both the public and private sectors. Ralph is a natural people person and this shows through in the interactions he has with the bereaved families he looks after. During his leisure time he can be found with his camera indulging in his passion for photography. Ralph also grows bromeliads and has a thriving sub-tropical garden at his home.
Lesley Langford
Receptionist Lesley Langford is usually the first point of contact at Forrests. Her warm, friendly manner provides welcoming reassurance for many families at what can be a very difficult time. Lesley is also a keen gardener, with a collection of roses, ornamentals and a flourishing herb garden at her Browns Bay home.