Academy Funeral Services

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Academy Funeral Services

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure"

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Academy Funeral Services has been an integral part of the local community for more than 30 years. Originally located in the central city, the firm was established by Peter Lawrence and Geoffrey Hall in 1982. Three years later it moved to a new location on Main South Road, where it was set up in premises previously used as a church. With his professional and caring approach Peter Lawrence established a rapport with people that has continued on through the qualified, experienced team at Academy Funeral Services, all of whom are gifted with the ‘people skills’ so important for their work. The chapel, reception lounge and catering facilities at Academy Funeral Services are modern and comfortable, while outside the award-winning landscaped gardens featuring fountains and ponds provide a beautiful and peaceful environment – the perfect setting for a funeral service.

31/08/2026

The winter chill begins to fade
As sunbeams dance across the glade
A gentle warmth stirs in the earth
To give each sleeping flower birth
The robin sings a brand new song
To prove the days are growing long
The rivers rush, the fields untwine
Covered in golden, soft sunshine
Safe in the breeze, the petals play
To welcome in the first spring day
A quiet hope begins to rise
Beneath the clear, welcoming skies

05/08/2026

No music. Just the Mainland Big Band cutting through the silence.When the band comes to farewell you, you know you lived well. Rest easy to their musical director, drummer, and singer, who leaves behind a legacy built from the days of The Garrison Band. Goodbye to a true friend and leader.

23/07/2026

By crafting their cherished shirts, dresses, or jackets into a custom memory bear, you create a tangible embrace from the person you hold dearest. Every thread preserves a piece of their unique story, turning everyday garments into a comforting legacy you can hug, hold, and pass down through generations.

"Woven with memories of the clothing once worn
To comfort your heart whenever you mourn
So, hold this bear tight when you need a warm hug
And feel yourself wrapped in my endless love"

01/07/2026

Our staff are painting and updating our arrangement room to make it a much nicer, more comforting space for the families we serve.

25/06/2026

A sad day here at Academy as we say good-bye to Bruce, who has decided it is time to sleep in and spend more time travelling around in his caravan. We will certainly miss you here, your calmness, your patience with funeral directors who need everything yesterday, your fantastic stories, your sense of humour. Bruce, it has been a pleasure working with you, and an even greater pleasure getting to know you!

The templates are locked, the formatting is neat
Bruce has printed his very last service sheet
At Academy Funeral Services, steady and true
The grieving families depended on you
With patience and grace in the heaviest hours
You matched up the verses, the music, the flowers
No more edits or fonts to adjust
You’re leaving the trays to collect some dust
So shut down the software and turn off the light
Your final design is a beautiful sight
Step into your freedom, the paperwork’s done
Cheers to you, Bruce, your retirement has begun!

19/06/2026

Today family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of a true Warrior in every sense of the word. From the beginning he didn’t just watch the game, he lived it, through every agonizing near-miss, every thrilling victory, and every season in between, his loyalty never wavered. He is now resting in peace, but his spirit will always remain a proud part of the Warrior Nation. "Up the Wahs" always.

18/06/2026

We have completed several improvements to our main reception entrance. The old shrubs have been removed to create a cleaner look, a new flagpole has been installed, and the water fountain has been uncovered. These updates create a much brighter and more welcoming entryway for our clients and visitors.

18/05/2026

We spend so much of life planning birthdays, weddings, holidays and milestones… but often avoid talking about the one thing every family will eventually face.

Having caring people beside you during difficult times can make all the difference.

For over 40 years, Academy Funeral Services has been helping Christchurch families create personal, meaningful farewells that truly reflect the life being celebrated — whether that’s something simple and quiet, or a fully personalised service filled with stories, music and memories.

Their compassionate team understands that no two goodbyes are ever the same, and they’re there to gently guide families through every step with care, respect and understanding.

💙 Sometimes the greatest support is simply knowing you don’t have to do it alone.

09/05/2026

“Happy Mother’s Day” to all the Mum’s, we hope you take the day to relax and enjoy. To those special Mum’s we have lost we take this day to remember you 🌻🌸🌼💐

05/05/2026

It was an honour to attend and take part in a recent Military Service. NZ military funerals are available for veterans with qualifying service, provided by the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) to honour their service. Support includes funeral expenses, burial in a Services Cemetery, and specialized military honors. Key elements often include a flag-draped coffin, uniformed pallbearers, a volley of shots, and the Last Post 🌺

Address

65 Main South Road, Upper Riccarton
Christchurch
8042

Telephone

+64 3-343 0919

Website

https://academyfunerals.co.nz/

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