Our History

Looking back at some of the old images from the past, we realise that although the style of services may have changed, the needs of individuals to express their feelings and emotions in their own way will always be the same. Being able to express a family’s wishes and provide the appropriate funeral service to farewell a loved one requires a level of flexibility that we have always been proud to offer. We have always been a family business, and have always focused on family values.

The Little family bring five generations of funeral experience to the Auckland region. Neil and Craig Little head the very experienced and professional team at Davis Funerals. Cedric Little has retired from active work within the company but chairs the Board of Directors and his depth of knowledge provides us with expert advice.

In 1935 Norman C Davis established his own business, N C Davis Ltd, at 294 Dominion Road, Mt Eden. A plant and seed shop in front of the funeral home was established to supplement income from funerals. In April 1950, Clifford Little a third generation funeral director, purchased the funeral home. In 1956 and 1959 respectively, Cliff’s sons, Cedric and Graeme Little joined Davis Funeral Services Ltd.

In 1962 and 1965, Cedric and Graeme went to San Francisco College of Mortuary Science where they studied the art of embalming. They then went on to establish the NZ College of Mortuary Science around 1967, one of the earliest providers of tuition in embalming in New Zealand. Furthering embalming education has always been a priority at Davis Funerals - a tradition still evident today.

In 1979, one of the original farmhouses in Pakuranga was converted into a funeral home, providing a new facility to service families in the Eastern Suburbs. This facility functions today as a smaller and more intimate setting for funerals at its site in 2A Udys Road, Pakuranga, it was completely refurbished in 2007.

In 1989, Neil Little, Cliff’s youngest son joined the company following 12 months work experience for a funeral company in London. He was followed by Cedric’s eldest son Craig in 1991. Craig became the 5th generation of the Little family to serve the community of Auckland as a Funeral Director. Both Neil and Craig completed their Embalming and Funeral Directing qualifications through the Central Institute of Technology in Wellington in the 1990’s.

In 1990, Davis Funerals moved from 294 to 400 Dominion Road, following the completion of the Grange Manor site. This facility was purpose built to accommodate the growing need for an onsite reception lounge, state of the art mortuary and to house the growing staff numbers. Grange Manor remains the central administration office for the company today.

In November 1998, a new funeral home encompassing chapel and reception lounge facilities was opened in Central Park Drive, Henderson. This beautiful new building was designed in keeping with the wine producing area and history of West Auckland. With three branches across Auckland, Davis Funerals can offer the most up to date and comfortable facilities to Auckland families.

Cedric Little retired in November 2005 after almost 50 years service to the funeral industry. The company is now run by Neil and Craig Little as the Managing Directors, whilst Cedric is retained on the Board of Directors with the company.

In October 2006, Davis Funerals purchased Morris & Morris Ltd, a funeral business located in Whangarei. Davis Funeral Services have had an association with Morris & Morris that dates back over 30 years, and it was with great anticipation that the business was purchased.

We believe the company still operates today with the same level of care and professionalism that Cliff brought to the company in 1950 with all the modern conveniences and technology of today’s world to provide the complete Funeral experience.

If you would like to talk to someone about how
Davis Funerals can help, please call us.

Mt Eden: (09) 638 9026, Henderson: (09) 835 3557, Pakuranga: (09) 576 7108