Our Team

At Lychgate Funerals our staff are very much a part of the community and are passionate about providing a professional and caring service.

Steve Haddock

Steve Haddock

Location Manager and Funeral Director

Steve Haddock lived in Rotorua for over 30 years, where he worked mostly in packaging and then as a chocolate maker. He was a funeral director in Rotorua for four years before moving to the Wellington area with his wife, Sue to be closer to their two boys and granddaughter. Steve began funeral directing to give something back to his community and enjoys helping families. When he’s away from his chosen profession, he enjoys walking and fishing around the many places Wellington has on offer.

Naomi Maruaao

Funeral Director

Naomi was born and bred in Tokoroa before moving to Wellington as a teenager. She has worked in hairdressing and hospitality, which have helped develop her eye for detail and multi-tasking skills. She plays netball and loves getting out on Wellington's walking tracks, as well as hitting the gym with her kids, and playing the guitar and ukelele. She joined the Lychgate team in 2023 and is excited to provide comfort and closure for families.

Naomi 2
Kerry Opt

Kerry Hight

Funeral Director

Originally from the UK, Kerry has been living in New Zealand for 16 years (after travelling across the world for almost a year to get here!). For the past few years she worked part-time in the funeral industry around Porirua and the wider Wellington region while also working as an in-home support career. In March 2022 Kerry joined the Lychgate team full time. She loves the variety of work where no two days are the same. Outside of work, Kerry is kept busy by five kids, three dogs and two cats. She enjoys live music and festivals, camping and road trips, and spending time with her fiancée Annie.