History
Over the decades we have helped and served families in Dunedin and throughout the Otago and Southland regions.
Hope and Sons has over 135 years experience within the funeral profession. Our team has extensive experience and over five generations of the Hope family have directed, guided and worked within the company since it was established in 1887.
Over time funerals have changed and evolved, what families want and expect has changed too. As a business that has seen and been a part of the evolution we are uniquely qualified to care for families and our community, making each funeral or farewell special. As expectations have changed we have increased our team, grown our knowledge through professional development, updated our facilities, and added more options to our technical and multimedia departments.
Take some time to scroll back through our history below..
2018 - Present
After 18 years in the company Andrew Maffey moves into the position of Company Manager. He brings his extensive knowledge to the role with an innovative approach - being able to uniquely manage the traditional and progressive ideas.
2017
Hope and Sons extended their services to North Otago after the purchase of Whitestone Funerals in Oamaru.
2016
Hope and Sons takes ownership of a historic kauri home in Mosgiel. This enabled an offering of a boutique style of funeral service - Chestnut Villa Funeral Home.
2015
After years of planning and development Dukes Road Crematorium was opened in Mosgiel.
2015
Jodie Hope (circa 2015)
Michael and Jannette's daughter, Jodie, joined the firm permanently in 2015, representing the fifth generation of the Hope family.
- Jodie W Hope 2015 -
2010
The Hope family acquired Dignity Funeral Services in Middleton Road, Dunedin.
2008
Purchased Palmerston Funeral Services from Gordon & Myrtle McKean.
2004
In 2004 we completed major facility upgrades to the offices, viewing rooms, and chapel. Bringing a more modern feel to the Hope and Sons facility.
2002
Jannette, Michael, Liz, and Lyndon (circa 2013)
The fourth generation of the Hope family was represented by Ian’s son Michael, and his wife Jannette, and Brian’s son Lyndon, and his wife Liz.
- Lyndon S Hope 1996 - 2013
- Michael J Hope 1987 - 2018
1991
Les Hopes four sons - 'The Boys' - Ian, Peter, Brian, and Derek Hope (circa 1991)
The third generation of the Hope Family had long associations with the firm:
- Peter K Hope 1955‑1996
- Derek I Hope 1960‑2002
- Ian A Hope 1962‑2000
- Brian S Hope 1967‑2005
1990
In 1990, Hope and Sons was one of the first to provide a “function room” to host refreshments after a service. Today, it is common practice for family and friends to gather and share memories after a funeral.
1989
In 1989 the decision was made to extended the size of the Chapel to cater for the larger funerals that were occurring in the Dunedin Community.
1970
The third generation of the company moved the business from St Andrew Street to its present purpose built site on Andersons Bay Road.
1960
In 1960 even though the partnership had ended years before the official name was changed from Hope & Kinaston Ltd to Hope & Sons Ltd to reflect the Hope family association with the firm.
1950
The first generation of the Hope Family - John Hope died in 1950. All three of his sons were associated with the firm at various times:
- A.N (Bert) Hope 1922 - 1938
- J.I (Jack) Hope 1938 - 1957
- E.L (Les) Hope 1924 - 1967 (pictured)
1915
William J Kinaston of Roxburgh joined as a partner until 1928. The company name changed to Hope & Kinaston Ltd.
1911
John Hope relinquished his interest in the partnership to begin his own business in St Andrew St, Dunedin.
1887
The Company was founded when John Hope entered partnership with Alfred Wynn and formed AJ Wynn & Hope Undertakers.
