Stan Leishman - Company Director, Funeral Director, Embalmer.

I was born and raised in Benhar and Balclutha, one of eight boys. After school, I began my working life in forestry, followed by a season at Finegand, and then a role at Balclutha Hospital. It was there I first stepped into healthcare, working as a Theatre Orderly and undertaking Enrolled Nurse training. My passion for mental health care led me to Cherry Farm Hospital, where I completed the State Registered Psychiatric Nursing Course.

In 1992, I joined the New Zealand Police and went on to serve for 28 years across Dunedin, Gore, and Balclutha. My final position was Area Response Manager for Clutha/Taieri, based at the Balclutha Police Station—a role I held with pride until my retirement from the force in July 2020.

After a long career in public service, my wife Bronwyn and I took on a new journey, purchasing the funeral home from Doug and Gail Nesbit. I became fully involved in the day-to-day operations and completed the Funeral Director Level 5 Diploma. Since July 2020, we have been proud members of the New Zealand Funeral Directors Association.

Bronwyn and I have been married for 37 years and are the proud parents of two sons. Outside of work, I enjoy motorsport—particularly racing my grass kart, which offers plenty of thrills and great camaraderie. I am actively involved in the community through the Milton Rotary Club, where I’ve served as both President and Director. I also serve as a Civil Defence Controller, contracted to the Clutha District Council, and I’m honoured to act as a Justice of the Peace.

Bronwyn Leishman - Company Director, Catering Manager.

I have been married to Stan for 35 years and we have 2 wonderful sons.

My past employment has always been in a caring role. I have worked as a nurse, I was a home-based child carer while our boys were young. I have also been a self-employed massage therapist at Consultancy House for 13 years. Before moving to the Clutha District, I held the role of Activities Co-Ordinator at Frances Hodgkins. I enjoy all things creative. While working at Consultancy House, I created an alter ego called Mrs Prudence Pong, who has since followed me along my career path. She became very popular in Milton during the COVID lockdown with her daily activities in the front yard of the Vicarage. She also has her own Facebook page. My preferred role at Leishman Funerals is managing the post-funeral and catering.

Martin Hayward - Funeral Director, Embalmer, Design, Audio & Visual.

Born in Southampton England, I moved to Dunedin in 1994 where after a brief spell teaching outdoor education, I began working for Hope and Sons Funeral Directors as an embalmer.

During this time, I obtained my Award in Embalming from the Central Institute of Technology in Wellington.

I stayed there until 2003 when my family moved to Balclutha.

I then took a break from the funeral industry at this point until 2016, when I joined what was then, Doug Nesbit Funerals, later becoming Leishman Funeral Services.

I attended the Wellington Institute of Technology in 2019 completing my Diploma in Funeral Directing, achieving top marks in the Behavioral Science component.

I’m also involved in the Audio / Visual and Graphic design side of the business.

On a personal note, I enjoy photography, and still play football for Balclutha in the Invercargill Premier Division.

Mischael Palmer - Funeral Director.

In early 2021 I shifted to Balclutha with my family and began working at Leishman Funeral Services.

I am currently working towards completing the New Zealand Diploma in Funeral Directing, after which point, I will become a qualified Funeral Director.

My role within the Funeral Home is varied, and sees me doing a large variety of work.

Michelle McLaren - Administrator

Proud Mother of four children and Nan to five grandchildren.

My husband and I live here in Balclutha. Being born and raised in the community I would regard myself as a true local of the South Otago District and I am glad to be surrounded by with my family and friends.

Throughout my career, I've had various roles in hospitality and thoroughly enjoy meeting new people, but it was time for a change.

This has led me to join the friendly and professional team at Leishman's where I commenced employment as the office administrator at the beginning of 2023.

Outside of my office role, I like to keep busy, you'll find me pottering away in my garden, serving dishes and baking treats from my kitchen, catching some fish on the river and lakes, and most importantly spending quality time with my family and friends, amongst everything in between.

Janaya Moore - Funeral Assistant & Engraver