Our Advisory Committee is made up of passionate people committed to the care and development of our sector.
Each member brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the table, helping guide the work of NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu.
Daniel Chrisp
Chair
Daniel joined the cemeteries sector in 2016, bringing a horticulture background and a passion for creating community-focused green spaces. He began his journey at Lower Hutt Cemeteries before moving to Porirua City Council in 2019, where he now oversees three cemeteries—two historic and one active.
Daniel’s forward-thinking approach embraces cemeteries as spaces that connect us to history, provide recreation opportunities, and offer communities places for reflection. Under his leadership, Whenua Tapu Cemetery and Crematorium performs over 1,000 cremations, burials, and ashes interments annually.
He has delivered innovative projects such as introducing a modern cemetery database, transforming unused land into a memorial walk, and installing QR codes to share the stories of notable individuals. Daniel has also contributed to the refurbishment of Whenua Tapu Crematorium, advised on national legislation, and supported community engagement through Friends groups for Porirua’s historic cemeteries.
Daniel’s work focuses on balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring cemeteries serve both current and future generations with dignity and respect.
Email: chair@nzccc.co.nz
Ricky Mulqueen
Deputy Chair
Ko Takitimu, ko Hananui ka Māuka
Ko Ara o te Kiwa tōku moana
Ko Aparima tōku awa
Ko Tākitimu tōku waka
Ko Ōraka Aparima tōku hapū
Ko Takutai o te Titi tōku marae
Ko Waitaha, ko Kāti Māmoe, ko Kāi Tahu ka iwi
Ko Ricky Mulqueen tōku ikoa.
With 27 years of experience in the funeral industry across Australia and New Zealand, Ricky Mulqueen leads a dedicated team managing all burials in Invercargill, Bluff, and, in collaboration with Southland District Council, the wider Southland region. Ricky also oversees the Southland Crematorium and its chapel, ensuring families receive compassionate and professional care during their most difficult times.
Deeply passionate about Southland’s history, Ricky views cemeteries as vital spaces that preserve and honour our shared heritage. From the stories etched into headstones to the preservation of historical graves, Ricky is committed to connecting communities with their past while maintaining respectful care for the recently departed.
Through his work with the NZCCC, Ricky is dedicated to supporting the sector nationwide by sharing expertise, advocating for members, and ensuring that cemetery and crematorium services across New Zealand continue to meet the evolving needs of communities.
Craig Morton
Craig is a skilled Monumental Mason with over 35 years of experience in the industry.
As an active member of the New Zealand Master Monumental Masons Association, Craig has served in various leadership roles, including a term as president and many years on the management committee. In 2019, he was awarded Life Membership.
Craig’s expertise extends beyond craftsmanship. He has represented the industry on the Creative Trades Industry Training Organisation (ITO) and continues to contribute as part of the National Advisory Group for Stonemasonry under the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).
Passionate about the stories held within cemeteries, Craig has collaborated with the New Zealand Historic Cemeteries Trust, local councils, and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage for many years, working to preserve and honour these significant spaces.
Email: central-SI@nzccc.co.nz
Nikki Nelson
Nikki leads Auckland Council’s Cemetery Services, managing a dedicated team of 40 who serve communities across the region with pride and care.
With a focus on business optimisation and operational excellence, Nikki combines thoughtful customer service with innovative solutions. She is committed to honouring cultural traditions while challenging the status quo to ensure Auckland’s cemetery services remain sustainable and accessible for future generations.
Her forward-thinking leadership explores new technologies and integrates diverse cultural practices, reflecting New Zealand’s evolving needs. By balancing tradition with innovation, Nikki is building a resilient, future-ready service that continues to uphold the dignity and respect essential to cemetery services.
Email: aklnorth@nzccc.co.nz
David Edlington
David has been associated with Dils Funeral Services for over 22 years. During this time, he has gained detailed knowledge of all areas of the business. He obtained his National Certificate in Funeral Directing in 2008, followed by a Diploma in Funeral Directing in 2011. His current role with the company is Funeral Home Manager.
Dils have their own crematorium, “Schnapper Rock Cremations,” which has been in operation for 10 years. When the company was in the process of installing their own cremator, David was approached and appointed Cremator Supervisor. He was heavily involved in developing the processes, learning how the system worked, and writing training manuals to ensure staff knew what needed to be done. David continues to oversee the maintenance and servicing of the cremator, ensuring it meets all council requirements.
David describes himself as “honest, reliable, and friendly.” He is married with two primary-aged children who keep him very busy outside of work.
Zephaniah Love-Bell
Zeph is a father of four who worked as a Sexton and Cremator Operator at Waikumete Cemetery from 2020, stepping into the role of 2IC over the past three years. Now working in the Cemeteries Projects space, Zeph brings a strong operational lens to strategy and planning, helping bridge the gap between frontline realities and business decisions. Passionate about keeping families and tūpāpaku at the centre of all cemetery services, he’s focused on improving systems that support both staff and community. Zeph is committed to growing his knowledge and connections across the sector, contributing to a more connected, compassionate future for death care in Aotearoa.
Tarsy Koentges
Tarsy, Parks Officer for Cemeteries and Heritage, has worked with the Queenstown Lakes District communities as part of Council since 2021. Drawing from cross-disciplinary studies in archaeology, museum studies, heritage preservation, cultural policy development, and strategic planning 1 from her time at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver and University College Dublin. She is now working towards improved conservation and celebration of the unique heritage of the Whakatipu and Upper Clutha regions. Prior to joining QLDC, Ms. Koentges worked with the Department of Conservation here in New Zealand, the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, Washington, and at The Heritage Council in Ireland providing coordination and support for a variety of projects, the most notable being Ireland’s National Heritage Week. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici in Italy and has been known to pick up the old sketchbook and watercolours from time to time, trying to capture the outstanding landscapes surrounding her home in Wānaka.