Our History

The firm of King’s Funeral Service was founded in 1887 by Daniel T. King Builder, Joiner, Cabinet Maker, Undertaker and Lay Preacher, with the addition later, of Retail Furniture, Paint and Hardware, under the direction of his son Walter King and in later years, continued to flourish under the joint management of Walter’s two sons, Keith and Jack.

In 1958, Denny Chew was employed by the firm of Kings Carterton Ltd and became more involved in the funeral side of the business.

In 1978, Denny and Norma Chew purchased the funeral operation consisting of a 1961 Dodge Hearse, some plant and stock and a short term lease of some of the building, and at Kings’ request traded under the name of D & N Chew Kings Funeral Service.

In 1980, Denny and Norma purchased Renall’s disused builders and joiners depot in Richmond Road, converting it into a modern funeral home.

At that time, the name “Kings” was deleted and trading continued under the name of D & N Chew Funeral Directors. It seemed that in town planning negotiations, the names undertakers, parlour and morgue had been heard so many times that it was decided to add the name of “Richmond Funeral Home”, a name that seemed to harmonise well with the surroundings as the property is situated in a road of the same name, “Richmond Road” in Carterton, to the building..

In 1997, after many years of committed personal service to families in the Wairarapa, Denny and Norma Chew retired. Denny Chew died in December 2011, but Norma still lives in Carterton.

The business continued under the ownership of Peter and Jenny Giddens who through the years have continued to understand the needs of their communities and to grow with their communities as they have continued with care and service to meet those needs.

In 2001, the addition of a Cremation Facility at the Clareville Cemetery further enhanced the services provided to the community.

In 2007, a new Chapel facility, “The Richmond Chapel”, was built next to the existing funeral home in Richmond Road, Carterton. This facility further compliments the services offered by the Richmond Funeral Home.

In 2016, Richmond Funeral Home opened an office and viewing room in Featherston, providing a facility where South Wairarapa families can meet to discuss funeral arrangements and view and spend time with their loved one should they wish to do so.

In April 2025, Peter and Jenny decided, so as to position the Richmond Funeral Home and the Clareville Crematorium for growth so as to be best able to continue to support the community, decided to partner with PFP NZ, which is the second largest provider of death care services in New Zealand. Peter and Jenny will continue to retain an ongoing interest in the businesses, and will remain at the helm, continuing to lead the team of caring funeral professionals committed to serving their communities into the future.