Mike Savage - Director & Funeral Director

Mike had a varied work background prior to becoming a Funeral Director in 1991. This diverse background enables Mike to connect with people from all walks of life which is important in his role of ministering and serving families who are grieving the loss of a loved family member or close friend.

When asked about his role as a Funeral Director, Mike believes that he has God-given skills in developing relationships with families and establishing bonds of trust so that people feel comfortable about entrusting their loved one into his care.

Mike is married to Dorothy and they have two daughters; Erana, who is a member of the NZ Police force in Hamilton and Taina, who graduated from the University of Hawaii and has now joined the Legacy team. Mike enjoys family activities, which now include his granddaughter Brylee, as well as running, cycling, music and church (The Salvation Army). Mike is a serving member of the Tauranga Rotary Club.

Darin Friis - Funeral Director

Before joining Legacy Funerals, Darin was employed in the timber industry. He brings with him a range of valuable people and organisational skills and is enthusiastic about his change of career. Darin says he feels humbled to be able to assist families by offering the ceremony that best honours their loved one.

Darin is married to Ngareta and together they have three young children. When he's not at work Darin enjoys spending time with the family, particularly camping and having fun with outdoor pursuits, as well as movies, music and DIY projects.

Lynn Harding - Funeral Director

Lynn has followed in his fathers footsteps; firstly with many years as an insurance broker, and then becoming involved with the Legacy team.

Having a compassionate nature, Lynn finds it hugely rewarding being able to assist families through a difficult emotional time and one that many have not previously experienced. For him there is great pride in being involved with a funeral company that has a public charitable mandate, is able to offer a choice of contrasting funeral venues, and readily accommodates a family’s desire to personalise their funeral arrangement.

Married to Sharron, what precious spare time Lynn has is spent sharing time with her, reading and listening music.

Don Hoult - Funeral Director/Operations Manager

Don, his wife Debbie and their four children, moved to Tauranga in 1993 after selling their sheep and beef farm. They purchased "Bell Lodge Motel & Backpackers" which they operated until October 2001. This is where Don developed his excellent interpersonal skills.

After selling ‘Bell Lodge’, Don moved into the real estate industry, joining Eves Realty. He had a very successful career for the next nine years, with Debbie joining him as his PA; a very formidable team. Don has strong links to the local community through his involvement at Holy Trinity church and Bethlehem College where he spent seven years on the Board of Trustees, four as Deputy Chairman.

Becoming a funeral director, Don feels he is able to use his many social skills and feels privileged to meet families and to hear their stories. Don often says, ‘ this job is all about life’. People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care ... about them.

Damon McCown - Embalmer

Damon comes from a varied background having worked in Dog Control, Aviation Security and as a Flight Attendant before taking his current role as an embalmer for Legacy Funerals. He feels privileged to have this position and the responsibility of looking after families loved ones during their extremely difficult time.

Damon’s interests are varied but he especially enjoys both listening to and playing music. Damon currently writes soundtracks for film and television. He has an avid interest in ancient esoteric knowledge and alternative history. He also enjoys reading when he has the time.

Taina Savage - Embalmer / Office Assistant

Taina has recently been awarded the National Diploma of Embalming, graduating as the top student in New Zealand for this course.  In addition to providing embalming services, she also helps out in the office at Legacy and with the many varied tasks that are required to run the business efficiently.

Taina attained a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. She has been a member of the New Zealand Women’s Volleyball Team for seven years and is still playing both indoor and beach volleyball.

Kiri Randall - Office Manager

Kiri works in conjunction with the Directors and the Operations Manager to ensure the smooth running of all the day-to-day tasks and management required for the company.

Prior to joining Legacy she worked for ACC, in office management roles, and was a financial planner. She is married to Sean and has two children; twelve year old Madison, and Taimana who is five.

Kiri says she feels privileged to assist families 'behind the scenes' and enjoys working with the team at Legacy and with their external suppliers.

Patrick Nolan - Gardener / Handyman

New Zealand born and bred, Patrick joined the New Zealand Army in 1962 and served as a soldier until 1990. Patrick was lucky enough to visit the Antarctic during his service, and with his wife Dawn he headed off to live in London to work as a Yeoman Warder (or "Beefeater"). Traditionally the Yeoman Warders looked after prisoners at the Tower and safeguarded the British crown jewels, but today they act as tour guides and are a tourist attraction in their own right.

These days Patrick can be found tending the garden and grounds at Legacy Funerals.