Carla Turner

Owner & Funeral Director

I am a mother of five originally from Auckland and over the last 10 years have been living between Hamilton and Tauranga. I have a diverse background and own businesses both in Tauranga, Hamilton and Auckland.

I run Charity Boxing Events in Tauranga raising funds for our non-funded well deserving Charities like Foodbank, Homes of Hope, Women’s Refuge, Merivale Community Centre, Kids Love Kai and Wish for Fish.

Some time ago, I was lucky enough to meet Jack Nepia and had the opportunity to get involved and learn the ropes with the team at Simplicity Bereavement Services. I quickly relised that this was the path I wanted to be on and I feel immensely passionate about this industry. It doesn’t feel like a job to me but rather an increadbly humbling experience with every family I come across, so much so I wanted to start my own funeral business in Tauranga. My partner Phil and I did just that, and in August last year, we opened Melrose Funeral Home. This was a massive turning point in my life, as not long after Melrose opened, we had the opportunity to purchase Simplicity, the Funeral Home that put me on this journey. After what felt like an eternity, on 10 April 2021 we became the new owners.

So here we are, myself, Phil, George and Hera McGarvey and our incredible selfless caring Funeral Directors Jack Nepia, Hayley Dunstan and Jynelle Northover. We can start a new chapter continuing to provide the extra special care and compassion that our families not only require, but also deserve. Going that extra mile with you, making you feel comfortable and that your wishes are respected and followed throughout your time with us. We look forward to helping you throughout that special journey with you & yours.