About Us

John Rhind Symbol Green Secondary

Our Story

John Rhind has been supporting families in Christchurch and North Canterbury since 1881. Generations have trusted us for our professionalism, compassion, and local knowledge.

What makes us different is our people. Our funeral directors are here to guide you with care, plain English advice, and respect for every culture and tradition. We combine modern facilities with a history of service, so families can feel both supported and at home.

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Our Team

Our team is at the heart of everything we do. Each member brings warmth, professionalism, and the experience to guide families through every decision.

Our Values

Legacy

Proven through generations

Founded in 1881, John Rhind has supported Christchurch and North Canterbury families for over 140 years. Our long history is proof of the trust families place in us, generation after generation.

Trust

Built on honesty, dignity & respect

Families know they can rely on us for clarity, transparency, and integrity. As members of the Funeral Directors’ Association of New Zealand (FDANZ), we follow strict professional and ethical standards. This ensures every family is treated with dignity and care, and that support is provided with fairness and accountability.

Contemporary

Modern for today

We honour tradition while embracing today’s needs. From livestreaming to eco-friendly funerals, to personalisation to each personality, our services are shaped for the families of today.

Care

Warm guidance when it matters most

Care at John Rhind means more than professionalism.
It means listening with compassion, guiding with warmth, and supporting families through life’s hardest moments.

Our Legacy

For over 145 years, John Rhind has been part of the Christchurch story. From our early beginnings in 1881 to today, our focus has always been the same — helping families with dignity, clarity, and compassion.

1881
Jr Timeline 1881

Herbert Langford (brother-in-law of John Rhind) establishes undertakers in London Street in Richmond.

1906
Jr Timeline 1906

John Rhind joins the firm, which becomes known as Langford & Rhind Undertakers.

1906
Jr Timeline 1908

Douglas Rhind joins his father, John Rhind and Herbert Langford.

1920
Jr Timeline 1920

Herbert sells his interest in the firm to John, who changes the name to John Rhind Funeral Directors and runs the firm with his sons.

1935
Jr Timeline 1935

Building of substancial brick chapel, garage, workshop & offices.

1935
Jr Timeline Austin

An Austin Hearse which cost more than all the buildings was purchased.

1942
Jr Timeline 1942

The John Rhind team in 1942.

1944
Jr Timeline 1944

John Rhind dies.

1958
Jr Timeline 1958

John Rhind joins his father, Douglas in the business.

1962
Jr Timeline 1962 A

Buildings and vehicles modernised.

1962
Jr Timeline 1962

Douglas Rhind retires, leaving the business under the direction of John Rhind.

1978
Jr Timeline 1978

John's son, Graeme Rhind joins the firm.

1978
Jr Timeline Betty Rita John

John Rhind, his older sister, Rita (centre) and wife (left) in the catering lounge.

1986
Jr Timeline 1986

The John Rhind team.

1988
Jr Timeline 1988

Graeme becomes a director and John's youngest son, Steven Rhind joins the firm.

1991
Jr Timeline 1991

New facilities are opened.

2002
Jr Timeline 2002

Long time John Rhind employee, Tony Garing, takes over the reins.

2002
Jr Timeline Kaiapoi 1

Kaiapoi office opens in a historic building in central Kaiapoi.

2011
Jr Timeline Kaiapoi 2

Kaiapoi office relocates to Williams Street following Christchurch earthquakes

2021
Jr Timeline 2021

Along with being a strong supporter of John Rhind, Graeme previously served as the Chief Operating Officer for InvoCare NZ‘s businesses, is a director of the NZ businesses and current Board Chair.

Therapeutic Choir

Our Community

We’re proud to be part of the Christchurch and Kaiapoi communities. Our team supports local initiatives, cultural events, and community organisations that bring people together.

Customer Testimonials

The kind words of families mean the most to us. We’re extremely proud of our 4.9★ Google rating and grateful for the trust placed in us.

Google 5 Stars

Need to speak with our team?

Whether you need urgent help or just want to start planning ahead, we’re here to listen.