Our Family, Caring for Your Family
Kia ora, we’re Eldon and Leslee Whittaker. We own and run Whittakers Funerals, a family funeral home based in Ruakaka, serving Bream Bay, Waipu, One Tree Point, Whangarei, and the wider Northland community.
We feel privileged to walk alongside local families during one of life’s hardest moments. Every family we meet is treated as we would want our own family treated, with honesty, dignity, and aroha.
This isn’t a corporate business for us. It’s personal. When you call Whittakers Funerals, you speak with us, not a call centre.
Eldon’s Story
I was raised in Moerewa, and my parents came from Umawera, in the Hokianga. They left my siblings and me a lasting legacy, a legacy of love and kindness, and a strong work ethic grounded in integrity and honesty.
Those values shape everything I do. Over many years of working with families in Northland, my goal has stayed the same: to help each family organise a funeral that truly honours the person they love, while also honouring the wishes that person leaves behind.
Leslee and I are parents to six amazing children, and grandparents to three beautiful grandchildren. Family is at the centre of who we are, which is exactly why we called this business Whittakers Funerals, and why our promise is simple: our family caring for your family.
Leslee’s Story
I was born in the Waikato and raised in Auckland, but in my heart, I’ve always been a Northland girl.
My grandparents had a farm in Pakaraka, and every school holidays was spent up north with them when I was a child. That early love of the land stayed with me. I’m grateful every day for the beauty of Northland, and for the friendships and love of the people here.
Why We Opened Whittakers Funerals
Our life revolves around our family and our faith. We’ve lived in the Whangarei area for over 20 years, and after a great deal of thought and consideration, we made the decision to open our own funeral home.
We wanted to offer something more personal. Something that felt like family helping family, not a transaction. We welcome every opportunity to help local families navigate the loss of a loved one, and we stand beside you, step by step, through the whole process.
Our New Home in Ruakaka
We’re proud to work from a brand new, purpose-built funeral home right here in Ruakaka. It includes a mortuary, a dedicated viewing room, and a comfortable space where family and whānau can gather together.
Having a warm, welcoming space matters to us. It means families can take the time they need, in privacy and comfort, close to home rather than travelling further afield.
A Personal Approach to Funeral Care
We offer transparent pricing and honest, personal guidance from the very first phone call. There’s no pressure, no upselling, just clear information so you can make the decisions that feel right for your family.
Whether you’re planning a funeral, cremation, or burial service, we listen first. Every service we help arrange reflects the person being farewelled, and the wishes of the whānau left behind.
Here for Our Community
Beyond funeral services, we’re also glad to meet with community groups to talk about the funeral process, pre-planning, and costs, answering whatever questions people may have. We offer this as a free gift to the community we’re so grateful to be part of.
If you’d like to know more about us, read what other Northland families have said about their experience with Whittakers Funerals, or get in touch any time. We are here to help.
Common questions answered
Who owns Whittakers Funerals?
Whittakers Funerals is owned and personally run by Eldon and Leslee Whittaker, a husband-and-wife team based in Ruakaka, Northland. Eldon was raised in Moerewa with family roots in Umawera, Hokianga, while Leslee grew up in Auckland with strong family ties to Pakaraka in the north.
Is Whittakers Funerals a local, family-owned business?
Yes, Whittakers Funerals is a genuinely family-owned and locally operated funeral home in Ruakaka. Eldon and Leslee have lived in the Whangarei area for over 20 years and opened the business themselves to offer a more personal alternative to larger funeral providers.
What areas does Whittakers Funerals serve?
Whittakers Funerals serves Ruakaka, Waipu, One Tree Point, Bream Bay, Whangarei, and the wider Northland region. Their funeral home is based at 25 Kepa Road, Ruakaka.
Does Whittakers Funerals have its own facilities?
Yes, Whittakers Funerals operates from a purpose-built funeral home in Ruakaka that includes a mortuary, a viewing room, and a private space for family and whānau to gather. This allows local families to arrange and hold services close to home.
Can I meet Eldon and Leslee before deciding on a funeral home?
Yes, Eldon and Leslee welcome the opportunity to meet with families to talk through options, answer questions, and explain the process, with no pressure involved. You can contact them directly by phone or send a message to arrange a time.
Do Eldon and Leslee speak with community groups as well as families?
Yes, Eldon and Leslee offer to meet with community groups to discuss funeral services and answer questions, which they provide as a free gift to the community. Visit the Community Talks page for more information.
Whittakers Funerals
25 Kepa Road
Ruakākā
New Zealand
0800 000 929