Meet our team

At Cambridge Funerals we believe that it’s just as important to look after the living as it is to look after those that have passed on.

Carla Turner, Gayle Melrose, Alex Ahuriri, Nicki De Reus

Our Team

Carla Turner

My names Carla, the owner of Cambridge Funerals, as well as a funeral director and embalmer. As a mother of seven, family is at the heart of everything I do. I consider it a privilege to support families through loss and ensure they feel heard, cared for and reassured at every stage.

Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer

Gayle Melrose

I’m Gayle, owner, funeral director and proud grandmother within our family business. My life has included sailing yachts around the world, skippering a New Zealand women’s crew in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and coaching a New Zealand bowls team at the Commonwealth Games. Yet funeral directing has become my true passion—the most rewarding and humbling chapter of my life.

Owner/Funeral Director
Funeral Director/Administrator

Nicki De Reus

I lived in Cambridge for thirty years and managed the Cambridge Community House for 11 years. Mother to four adult children and Nanna to eight grandchildren. I have wanted to work in the funeral industry for many years and am enjoying my role at Cambridge Funerals. I love my home and garden and have finished painting my new SheShed for sewing and craft work.

Funeral Director

Alex Ahuriri

I’m Alex, a funeral director at Cambridge Funeral Home. As a father of two daughters, family is incredibly important to me, and I understand how meaningful it is to have someone you trust supporting you through the loss of a loved one.

I have a strong understanding of many religious and cultural traditions, and I feel honoured when families return and ask me to care for them again. I’m detail-oriented, compassionate and always willing to go the extra mile—even when a family’s request is a little out of left field.

It’s always incredibly hard to lose a loved one, but a fitting funeral makes all the difference when it comes time to say goodbye. In moments of grief, we often seek ways to celebrate the lives of those we cherish. A well-planned funeral can provide comfort, closure, and a chance for family and friends to come together in remembrance.

From personalised tributes that reflect the unique personality of the departed to serene settings that evoke cherished memories, every detail matters. It’s not just about saying goodbye, it’s about honouring a life lived and creating lasting memories for those left behind.

As we navigate through these challenging times, let us remember the importance of creating meaningful farewells that resonate with love and respect. 💖 #Farewell #RememberingLovedOnes #FuneralPlanning

Carla & Gayle