whatsoninvers.nz provides daily updates for Acknowledgements, Death Notices and In Memoriams across Invercargill, Southland, Central Otago, Queenstown, and the wider South Island.
This is a free community service published Monday through Saturday to support local families in sharing memories, celebrating lives, and expressing gratitude. Our digital platform ensures your tributes are instantly accessible to friends and family near and far, keeping our community connected during life's most meaningful moments. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our local advertisers, whose generous support allows us to provide this essential service entirely free of charge to families.
📧 How to Submit a Notice
To list a loved one’s death notice, funeral notice, in memoriam, or acknowledgement, please email your text, Word document, or PDF to: [email protected] (Please submit on the day you wish it to be published).
Latest News
Loading...BURNS, Antony Grant (Tony):
Peacefully passed away at Southland Hospital with his family by his side on Tuesday 22 September 2026; aged 63 years. Soulmate of Annie. Cherished father and father-in-law of Ricky and Jenny, Jarred and Lisa, and Rory and Gitu. Cherished grandad of Max, Katie, Liam, Freya, Ashriya, and Ollie. The family would like to say thank you to the staff at Hospice South and at Mercey Cancer Care. A service to celebrate Tony’s life will be held in the Avenal Park Chapel, 75 Fox Street, Invercargill, on Tuesday 29 September at 1.00pm, followed by a private cremation. If you wish to view Tony’s service via livestream, please visit the Avenal Park website obituaries page and click on the link on Tony’s profile. Messages to 198 Marama Ave North, Otatara, Invercargill 9879.
BURNS, Antony Grant (Tony):
Most dearly loved brother of Cyril and Jan, Vanna and Mike, Blain and Pip, Kevin and Dot. Much loved and respected uncle of San and Zoe, Marc and Emily, Tony, Steve and Courtney, Corey and Amy, Joel and Rachel, Andrew and Gem, Rebecca, Billy, and Jono and Laura.
COATS, Michael:
13.3.1945 – 22.12.2025
Mike's ashes interment will be held at Charlton Park Cemetery, Gore at 1.00pm on Saturday, October 3. Family and friends are invited to attend the burial, then to join us for a catch up and a natter with light refreshments at the Croydon Lodge afterwards.
DOUGLAS, Bruce:
Peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on September 22, 2026; aged 70 years. Dearly loved husband of Meryn, much loved father and father-in-law of Jane, Ben, Hayley and Lindsay, treasured grandfather of Mackenzie. Loved brother, brother-in-law of Pam and Chris Read, John, Bob and Coral Douglas, Sue and Gerry Molyneux, and the late Jim Douglas. Loved uncle of all his nieces and nephews, and friend to many. A special thanks to those who provided care for him during his illness. A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at the Glenorchy Hall, Mull Street, Glenorchy, at 2.00pm on Monday, September 28, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Glenorchy Volunteer Fire Brigade and Glenorchy First Response would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Livestreaming at affinityfunerals.co.nz. Messages to the Douglas Family, PO Box 37, Glenorchy 9350.
HEDLEY, Jean Ritchie:
Passed away peacefully at Rowena Jackson, Invercargill, on Saturday, 19 September 2026, aged 100 years, after living a full and happy life. Dearly loved Mum and Mother-in-law of Tom and Lanie, Jan and the late Barry, Bob and Linda, Sandra and Chris. Loving Nan of Lisa and Ronnie, Megan, Anna; Mark and Jaime, Danny and Christine, Sara and Simon, Michael; Tim and Laura, Kelly and Tayne, Kate and Hayden. Great Nana to Bradley, Connor, Lily, Blake, Ella, Hannah, Grace, Jaxon, Emma, Josh, Maia, Amber, Xavier, Max, Quinn, Alex, Leo, Coby, plus one on the way. Great great Grandmother to Billy. As per Mums wishes a private service has been held. Special thanks to the team at Rowena Jackson, Edinburgh Wing for their loving care of Mum. Messages to 465 West Plains Road, RD4, Invercargill 9874.
MacGIBBON, Margaret:
Peacefully on Friday 18 September at Parata Rest Home, Gore; aged 96 years. Dearly loved wife of Eric*, much loved mother and mother-in-law of Andrew, Stan and Judy, cherished Nana and Nana Margaret of Sarah and Ashlin Urieli; Lisa and Sam Sanson, Kylie*, and Stacey Hansen; great Nana Margaret of Robbie and Olivia Sanson. Much loved sister, sister-in-law and aunty of all her nieces and nephews. (*denotes deceased). A service to celebrate Margaret’s life was held on Thursday 24 September, 2026 at 1.00pm at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Devon Street, Gore. Margaret was reunited with Eric at Charlton Park Cemetery. Messages to 606 Waipahi Highway, RD1, Gore 9771.
MERRILEES, Allen:
Passed away peacefully in the loving care of the wonderful, caring staff at Birchleigh Residential Care Mosgiel on Friday, September 18, 2026 aged 81 years. Dearly loved husband of Margaret. Much loved father and father-in-law of Craig and Amy (Invercargill), Brent and Tania (Caboolture Australia), Glenn and Diana (Ningi Australia). Much loved Poppa of Sophie, Caitlin; Brooke, Riley; Jacob, Liam, and Levi. Loved Brother of Warren (Balclutha) and Kevin and Shirley (Ashburton). In accordance with Allen's wishes a private family farewell has been held. Messages to 80A Church St Mosgiel.
'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.'
PEIRSON, William:
Died peacefully in his sleep, on September 17, 2026, after 7 months battling illness, appointments and meds. He did so, stoically and with humour in Nurse Maude Care Home, Merivale, Christchurch; aged 90 years. Dearly loved husband of Marie, much loved and respected father and father-in-law of Susan and Brent (Nelson), John and Nik (UK), and William (Dunedin). Beloved 'Gramps' to Olivia and Sam. Many, many thanks for the kindness and tender care given to our Dad. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Nurse Maude Care Home would be appreciated and can be made online at [email protected]. Messages for the Peirson Family, C/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. At Bill's request a private cremation has taken place.
PICKWELL, Terrance John:
Passed away peacefully, aged 85, on September 21, 2026, at Kew Hospital, Southland, after a short illness. Husband of the late Denice Pickwell (née Driver), and ex-husband and friend of June Pickwell. Loving Dad of Shirley, Debbie, Shane, Joanne and Michael, and their partners, and a much-loved Grandad and Grandpoppy. To honour Terrance’s wishes, a small family gathering has been held privately. Messages to 24 Railway Esplanade, Gore or may be left on Terrance's tribute page at distinctfunerals.co.nz
ROBERTS, Audrey Helen (Mick):
Peacefully in the care of BUPA Longwood, Riverton on Wednesday, 23rd September 2026, in her 101st year. Dearly loved wife of the late Bordy. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Bryan and Annette, Neville and Lulu, Frank and Pam. Much loved grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother and aunt. As per Mick’s wishes a private family service has been held.
SCHERP, Sylvia Teresa (nee Geers):
Suddenly at home after a brief illness on Friday, September 25; aged 54 years. Dearly loved wife for 30 years of Ron, much loved mum of Petrina, and Caitlin. Much loved daughter and daughter-in-law of Henk and Tineke Geers, and Gerald and June Scherp. Funeral details to follow Messages to 181 Clyde Street, Balclutha 9230.
SCURR, Mazry:
Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and a whole lot of love, on September 24, 2026; in her 89th year. Dearly loved wife and best friend of Kevin (KJ), for 64 years. Precious mother, mother-in-law and friend to Mike and Clare, Kate and Graeme, Frances and Martin, Bern and Trev, Rob and Nicki, Ant and Ang. Dearly loved and adored Nana Mary to Elle, Gen and Tom, Connie, Gretchen and Melody, Olive, Sarah, Sam and Tim, Jack, Henry and Robert, Billie and Tait, George and Chloe, and her great-grandchildren, Carter, Millie, Lloyd, Maitland and Sadie. A service celebrating Mary's life will be held at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 154 Aubrey Road, Wanaka, at 1.00pm, on Thursday, October 1. Livestream available at affinityfunerals.co.nz Messages to the Scurr family may be sent to 101 Studholme Road, RD 2, Wanaka 9382.
SMITH, Shirley:
Passed away peacefully in Oamaru on September 23, 2026, in her 92nd year, with family by her side. Much loved wife, Mum, Nana and Great-Nana, and a dear friend to many. A service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held at Whitestone Chapel, 54 Weston Road, Oamaru, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 1.00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hato Hone St John in Shirley's memory.
STANDISH, Marion:
Peacefully on September 22, 2026, in her 88th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Frank Standish. Much loved mum and mother-in-law of Matthew and Sue (Nelson), John and Sarah (Western Australia), and a loved Grandma of Kate, Michael, Emma, and Alec. A private cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held. Messages to Standish Family, 4 Thames Way, Stoke, Nelson 7011.
SUTHERLAND, James:
It is with sadness that Murray passed away on September 19, 2026, four days shy of his 91st birthday. Loved son of the late Connie and Garnie Sutherland, loved older brother and brother-in-law of Gill and Kathy. Dearly loved father and father-in-law Craig and Karen, Debbie, Lynn, Alicia and Glen, and the late Peter (Sam). Proud grandad of nine and chuffed great-grandad of two. Dearly loved grandson, nephew, and cousin of the wider Richardson and Sutherland families. The family wish to thank the exceptional staff of Leslie Groves Hospital, Redwood Unit for their care of Murray over the past year. A private service has been held. Messages to 10 Ettrick Street, Glenross, Dunedin 9011.
WILSON, Murray David (Muzz):
Suddenly passed away on Sunday 20th September 2026, aged 66 years. Dearly loved husband of Yvonne. Cherished dad and father in law of Jaidyn and Bonnie, Tiegan and Nicol and the late Dallas. Family sincerely thank Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter, Wanaka Fire Brigade and Police, and those who stopped to help and offered their kindness and support. As per Murray’s wishes a private service has been held. Messages to 113 Albert Street Invercargill or to Murray’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes
Acknowledgements and Memoriam's:
ALLAN, Heather:
Ewan, Andrew and Wendy, Carolyn and Rick, Joanne and Murray, and families, would like to sincerely thank you for the kindness and support received following the recent passing of our much loved wife, mother, Gran and Great-Gran. Thank you for the many cards, flowers, phone calls, visits, and messages of sympathy. Thank you to Dave at Winton and Districts Funeral Services for your support and guidance. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement.
BROWN, Muriel:
In Loving Memory
01.02.28 – 07.07.26
Muriel's family want to express their deepest gratitude to all relatives, friends, and neighbours for their thoughtfulness and support during our recent bereavement. Thank you to everyone who attended the service, sent floral tributes and beautiful food, or reached out with comforting messages and calls. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Special thanks for the dedicated care of St John, Dr Sloane and Kew's Doctors and Nurses. Muriel's daughters Lois, Carolyn, Shona and our families, including those of our late sister Lynda, will always remember your words and kindness with love.
LITTLE, Peter:
Deborah, Bruce, Christine, Bernie, Suzanne, David, Bronwyn, Peter, and families, would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported us following the passing of our much loved Dad, Grandad and Great-Grandad. For the visits, cards, emails, floral tributes, food and many phone calls, again, thank you. Special thanks to Southland Hospital for the care given to Dad. Special thanks to Sharyn Payne and Wendy Sutherland. Distinct Funeral, thank you for your help and understanding during such a difficult time and your care of Dad. A heartfelt thanks to the carers at RDNS for all the support, care, kindness and love over the past eight years. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended Dad's farewell, please accept this as a personal acknowledgement as many addresses are unknown.
MILLAR, Frances:
Valerie, Christine, Linda, David and families would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support following the recent passing of Frances. Thankyou for the messages, cards, flowers, food and attendance at the funeral. Please accept this as a personal message of our sincere appreciation.