Dempsey & Forrest Funeral Directors

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Dempsey & Forrest Funeral Directors

Whanganui's compassionate and trusted funeral service provider - here to help in your time of need. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Thank you for visiting our page. Dempsey & Forrest a name you can trust. We are a family owned and operated business. Dempsey & Forrest have assisted families in Wanganui and surrounding areas since 1930. Our commitment is to ensure we provide our families with a very compassionate, high quality professional and personalised service to meet the individual requirements and needs to all tho

se who engage our services. Our experienced and qualified funeral professionals are able to guide you through the many facets of a funeral to assist you in making personalised and memorable funeral arrangements to reflect the personality of your loved one. At all times we endeavour to provide appropriate services and advice for each situation. Dempsey & Forrest
208 Guyton Street
Wanganui
Ph: 063490202
[email protected]

05/09/2026

As Father’s Day approaches, we’re mindful that this day can hold many different emotions - love, gratitude, reflection and remembrance.

For some, it’s a day spent celebrating with Dad. For others, it’s a day of missing someone who is no longer here, or reflecting on the memories and moments they shared.

However you’re spending Father’s Day, we’re thinking of the fathers, grandfathers and father figures who have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around them 🤍

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

20/08/2026

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE CREATIVE ✨

We’re on the lookout for a creative, organised and people focused person to join our team in a casual role at Dempsey & Forrest.

The role will include creating and putting together funeral service sheets, photo tributes, memorial books and other personalised keepsakes, so a great eye for detail and a creative flair are a must.

Experience with design programmes would be an advantage, but just as important is someone who is creative, capable and keen to learn.

Interested? We’d love to hear from you.

Please send your details to Mel Forrest at
[email protected]

18/08/2026

The People Behind Our Care 🤍 Meet Colin McGrail

With a long background in customer service and a genuine commitment to supporting people through difficult times, Colin has worked in the Funeral Industry for 8 years after 36 years with Air New Zealand and time working as a celebrant.

Colin believes empathy is at the heart of what he does. Losing his Dad when he was just 8 years old shaped how he connects with families today, giving him a real understanding of grief and the shared experiences that come with losing someone you love. He values walking alongside families and helping them feel supported every step of the way.

Outside of work, Colin enjoys time with his church family, exploring New Zealand’s bird life and spending time at Bushy Park.

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

14/08/2026

Fingerprints aren’t the only prints worth keeping 🐾

Our Forrest Fingerprint Jewellery collection is about capturing something completely unique to someone you love.

Tam chose to have her beloved dog Lola’s paw print engraved into her bracelet - a beautiful way to keep a little piece of her close, wherever she goes.

It got us thinking about all the different ways this jewellery can be made personal to the people, and pets, who mean the most to you.

Get in touch to find out how Forrest Fingerprint Jewellery could work for someone you love 🤍

Phone 06 349 0202 or visit our website.

www.keepsakes.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

10/08/2026

Some journeys come full circle 🙌🏼

Last week, our 1937 Studebaker made the journey to Auckland for a very special farewell - that of its original owner.

It felt only fitting that the car he once owned became part of his final journey.

Before setting off, the Studebaker was sign-written by Display Associates, just as it would have been many years ago, adding another meaningful touch to the occasion. A special thank you to Rowan from Whanganui Towing, who made the overnight trip to Auckland with us.

While we’re based in Whanganui, we’re honoured to travel wherever families need us, helping create personal and memorable farewells right across New Zealand.

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

28/07/2026

The People Behind Our Care 🤍 Meet Paul Watkins

With more than 32 years in the Funeral Industry, Paul brings a wealth of experience, compassion and steady guidance to the Dempsey & Forrest team.

Now semi-retired, he remains a valued part of the team and is always available to support colleagues and families whenever needed.

Paul’s journey into the Funeral industry began after the loss of his father. The care and respect shown to his family by Jim Forrest left a lasting impression and, together with his strong faith, inspired him to support others through some of life’s most difficult moments.

When working with families, Paul believes listening is key. He understands that grief can make decision making difficult, so he takes the time to understand each family’s needs and provide thoughtful guidance. Above all, he approaches every family with respect, believing this is the foundation of meaningful care and support.

Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren, being involved in his church community, catching up with friends, playing golf, gardening and volunteering.

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

09/07/2026

Matariki is a season of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal ✨

It is a time to honour those we have lost, appreciate those beside us, and welcome the opportunities a new season brings.

From all of us at Dempsey & Forrest, we wish you a meaningful and peaceful Matariki 🌟

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

01/07/2026

It was a pleasure to partner with New Zealand Medical Indemnity Insurance - NZMII to celebrate Resident Doctors' Day by shouting Whanganui's resident doctors a well deserved coffee and morning tea ☕️

Thank you for everything you do for our community ✨

22/06/2026

When this photo surfaced, one of the first things Jimmy said was, "I remember that day."

This image by Kevs Wanganui Photo History Page captures the Springboks' visit to Whanganui and, in the foreground, the Dempsey & Forrest building - a familiar part of the streetscape then and now.

Photos like these are a reminder that while times change, community connections endure. We feel privileged to have been part of Whanganui's story for generations and to continue serving local families today.

Do you have any memories of this era of Whanganui? We'd love to hear them below.

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

13/06/2026

Vintage Weekend doesn’t just happen - it’s made possible by an incredible group of Sponsors, Volunteers, and Trustees passionate about seeing Whanganui thrive ✨

Jimmy is one of the dedicated Trustees helping drive the event forward, and the growth over recent years has been nothing short of remarkable.

On Friday evening, we were proud to host the Vintage Weekend Sponsors’ Evening at Dempsey & Forrest, providing drinks and canapés as a small thank you to those whose support helps make this iconic event possible.

It was fantastic to hear about the exciting plans already underway for next year - bigger, better, and building on the success of recent years.

Vintage Weekend continues to be something our whole community can be proud of! 🙌🏼

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

Address

208 Guyton Street
Whanganui
4500

Website

http://www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz/

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