About Us

We can arrange funeral services and family farewells in any venue of your choice. Barry, Ethan, Damara & Karla all have a passion for helping people, and creating unique and personalised farewells. Finding the right venue is very important, whether it is Wakapuaka Crematorium Chapels, Your Home, Church, Graveside at the Cemetery, or some place quite different and personal - it's up to you.

“We pride ourselves on the very high level of service we provide and are mobile funeral directors, so we can come to you, which can make organising a funeral just that little bit easier.”

Location Manager – Barry Holmwood, whose career in the industry has 3 decades of experience in New Zealand funeral service, leads our team of qualified and experienced funeral directors.

We pride ourselves on the very high level of service we provide and as funeral directors. We can come to you, or you can come to our funeral homes in either Nelson or Richmond. Whatever is easiest for you.

Our team can give advice on all aspects of funerals and can also guide you through pre-planning funeral options – just ask us. Whatever your needs, we will look after you with care and compassion so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Simplicity Nelson are proud members of the FDANZ

Since it was founded in 1937, the FDANZ has promoted quality, expertise and integrity in the funeral profession, and has encouraged the training and education of funeral directors.

Today the FDANZ represents approximately 85% of funeral practices in New Zealand. As members of the FDANZ, we follow the Rules of the Association as well as a strict Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct. In keeping with its commitment to high standards of professionalism and ethics, the Association has introduced an independent disputes resolution process.

Our Team

Simplicity Nelson Barry

Barry Holmwood – Dip F.S. | Manager & Funeral Director

Barry’s funeral service career began in 1985 in Nelson. He has qualifications in both funeral directing and embalming, including the National Diploma in Funeral Service (2006).

In 2005 he received the prestigious Noel McNee Memorial Award for excellence in embalming. He took over the management role at Simplicity’s in 2024. Barry’s proud to be involved in the funeral service industry and is committed to helping grieving families in the Nelson and Tasman communities.

He loves cars, motorbikes, his two daughters and his wife—not necessarily in that order!

Simplicity Nelson Ethan

Ethan Williams – Dip F.D. | Assistant Manager & Funeral Director

Ko Taupiri te maunga, ko Aotea te moana, ko Waikato te awa, ko Tainui te waka, ko Waikato te iwi.
Ko Ngāti Mahuta raua ko Ngāti Te Wehi ngā hapū. Ko Ōkapu te marae.
Nō Whakatū ahau, ā, kei konei ahau e noho ana. Ko Ītana tōku ingoa.

Ethan has been involved in funeral service and tangihanga for several years, initially providing live streaming and media services before becoming a funeral director and embalmer.

A devoted father to Elijah and Maeve, he has a deep passion for supporting whānau and caring for their tūpāpaku (loved ones who have passed). Ethan understands the importance of dignity, not only in life but also in death, and considers it a great privilege to serve the community alongside the team at Simplicity Funerals.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

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We’d love to help

Phone us today to discuss the best customised option just for you.