Train Services Returning Between Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill
Long-distance passenger rail is set to return to the South Island, with a new service scheduled to reconnect Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill for the first time in decades. The service, known as The Mainlander, will operate along the east coast and is being delivered by New Zealand-owned Rail and Tourism

Funeral Notices are published daily at 6:40am Monday to Saturday, a free community service provided by whatsoninvers.nz
If you would like your loved one’s death/funeral notices, memoriam
or acknowledgement listed email it in word doc or PDF to [email protected]

ANDERSON, Ruby:
Peacefully passed away with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in the special care of Resthaven staff. Dearly loved wife of the Peter*, loved mum of Lynley and David Wright (Wyndham), Stephen and Averil (Dunedin), Janice*, Geoffrey and Julie (Dunedin), cherished Nana and Grana of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As per Lorraine's wishes a private service will be held. Messages to 21 Malta Street, Wyndham, 9831.
(*denotes deceased)

DEMPSEY, Christopher Raymond “Chris”:
08.07.1954 – 27.11.2025
Passed away peacefully at Southland Hospital. Son of the late Brian and Lorraine. Brother of Paul, Barry, and Warren. Uncle of Aaron, Mark, Nathan, and their families.

DEVERY, Maria Edna:
Passed away peacefully and courageously on Thursday November 27, 2025, at Hospice Southland, aged 55 years. Maria was surrounded by her loving family Vin, Richelle, and Jason by her side. Following a courageous and determined battle with cancer.  Cherished daughter of Vin and the late Daphne. Deeply loved and treasured sister and sister-in-law of Richelle and Craig Holland, and Jason Devery. Very special Aunt of Brayden, Dylan, Kyron, and Briarlee.  A devoted and remarkable dog owner, Maria shared a special bond with her dogs, giving them a life filled with love, care, and endless affection. Maria faced her battle with cancer with remarkable courage, grace, and her unwavering positive attitude — inspiring everyone around her with her strength and warmth.
Forever in our hearts.” R.I.P. 
Maria’s life will be celebrated at J Fraser and Sons Chapel, cnr. Esk and Doon Streets, Invercargill, at 1.30pm, on Monday December 1. At Maria’s request please wear bright colours. In accordance with her wishes, a private cremation has taken place. The family wish to thank the Hospice Southland for their outstanding love and support and donations to the Hospice may be left at the service. Messages to 32 Salford Street, Invercargill. Digital messages may be left at Maria’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where a livestream is available.

HARMAN-WILSON, Evelyn Margret, (nee Dobson):
Passed peacefully at home, here in her adopted country of New Zealand, on Saturday 22nd November 2025 aged 87 years. Wife of her much-loved husbands, the late Bryan Scarlett, and the late George (Tom) Harman-Wilson. Mother of her beloved children Craig Scarlett and Jonathan Scarlett, and grandmother of Ryan Scarlett, Holly Scarlett and Joshua Scarlett. Loved by all her extended family, both here and in the UK.
A teacher whose life touched hundreds.
According to Eve's wishes a private service has been held. Messages can be sent to Eve's tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes

HUSBAND, Foster “John” QSM:
29.1.1930 – 17.11.2025
Holding many fond memories and good times close - the Husbands (Mark, Karen, Deborah, Brandon and Fiona) and the Glen girls (Odette, Anya, Ginia and Liselle), their partners, spouses and families were sad to hear of John’s passing. Many thanks to Bupa Longwood Care Home for their diligent care in his last years.  Finally free of the restrictions that confined him over those years.  Enjoy the music again John, drum on, and have a fine wine or a whiskey with that.

McDONALD, William Robert (Robbie):
Peacefully on Thursday 27th November, 2025 at Wyndham Resthome; almost 95 years old. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Joyce for 72 years, much loved father and father-in-law of Stuart and Robyn, Murray and Janet, Kathryn and Geoff, Rodney and Clinton, Jill and Chris, Christine and Philip, cherished Grandad and Mac of Matthew, Hamish, Bevan, Jessica, Hazel, Emma, Sarah, and Alice, great Grandad of Aubrey, Sam, and Megan. The family would like to thank the staff at Wyndham Resthome for their wonderful care. A Memorial service to celebrate Robbie’s life will be held on Wednesday 3 rd December,2025 at 11am at the Gore RSA Function Lounge, Bowler Ave, Gore. To view livestream https://vimeo.com/event/5548023 Messages to 30 Norton Street, Gore 971.

MORETE, Shona (Leighton):
28.04.1946 - 18.11.2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Shona surrounded by those who loved her most. Beloved partner of the late John. Mum of Donna, Amanda, Kirsten*, and Olivia. Mother-in-law to Nigel, and Corey. Grandmother / Nan Nan of Jono, Zak, Paris, and Roman. A private cremation was held as requested by Shona. Shona got along with all and left an everlasting impact on those lucky enough to cross paths, she showed us how to live life to the fullest and cause a little mischief on the way. Many thanks to the incredible staff at Hospice Southland who made her last journey bearable with dignity and pain free. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Southland. We will be at the Invercargill Working Mans Club for a time of memory, feel free to join us in celebrating and sharing stories of her life on the 6th December 2025 at 5pm.

STEVENSON, Agnes Eva Elizabth (McDowall, nee Dundass):
10.10.1936 – 27.11.2025
Cherished and dearly loved Mum, Mother-in-law of the late Stuart McDowall, Sharon and Ricky Beer (Gore) Ross and Hilary McDowall (Perth), Clifford and Leona McDowall (Gore), Malcolm McDowall (Perth). Adored Nana of Michael, Karla, Sam, Kylie Beer, Damian McDowall, Kayley and Scott Parker, Brittany and Brayden McSwain and Jarrad McDowall. Treasured Great Nana to her 9 Great Grandchildren. A much- loved Sister, Auntie, and dear friend of Cairn*. A special thanks to all the wonderful staff at Bupa Windsor Park who have provided excellent care and love for mum over the last 6 years. A service to celebrate the life of Agnes will be held on Tuesday December 2, 2025, at 1.00 pm in the Gore RSA Function Lounge, 12 Bowler Avenue, Gore, followed by a private Cremation. Flowers respectfully declined. For those that wish to view on Livestream on https://vimeo.com/event/5548009 Messages to 6 Park Street, Gore, 9710.

STEVENSON, Agnes Eva Elizabeth (McDowall, nee Dundass):
10.10.1936 – 27.11.2025, Age: 89 years
Dearly loved Daughter of Stuart* and Rhoda* Dundass, (Omakau). Much loved Sister of Sylvia*, Stuart*, Sam and Cathy Dundass (Alexandra), Betty and Len* Anderson (Lauder, Moa Creek). Beloved Sister-in-law of the McDowall clan, Runa*, Neil* and Lyneve, Perry and Ruth (Gore), Sandra (Gore), Alastair* and Margaret (Christchurch), Martin* and Evelyn (Dunedin), Clark (Christchurch) Kim and Maureen* (Gore). A much-loved friend of Cairn* McDowall. A special Auntie, Cousin and Friend to many.
‘Treasured Memories Always’ (*denotes deceased)

WILSON, Bert:
Jennifer, Pete, Bruce and families wish to sincerely thank everyone for all the support shown to us since Bert’s passing. We were truly humbled by all the visits, phone calls, messages, cards, flowers & for the large number of people who attended Bert’s funeral. A special thanks to the members of the Winton Golf Club & the Southland Eagles Golfing Society who spoke and formed the Guard of Honour. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Vicary Court for their compassion and care of Bert in his final week & their on-going support of Jen. Also, to the team at J Fraser & Sons & Sharyn Payne for their empathy & guidance. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement from us all.

Acknowledgements and Memoriam's: If you would like your loved one’s death/funeral notices, memoriam, or acknowledgement listed, email it in word or PDF to [email protected]

GUTSCHLAG, Patricia:
30.11.1945 - 22.9.2025
Trish's family would like to personally acknowledge all those who expressed their sympathy and love at the sudden passing of Mum. Your presence at the funeral and those who were on the livestream link we thank you for your comfort and support. We would like to thank the many people who dropped off baking, flowers and cards to our family. The family would like to make a special thanks to Dunedin ICU for their compassionate care of Mum in her final days. We especially grateful to the Dunstan Hospital District Nurses for all their care and empathy you have shown Mum over the years. A final thank you to the team at Aurora Funeral Services for your support and guidance through this difficult time.

McLEOD, Geoffrey:
The McLeod family would like to acknowledge the support and comfort we received from family and friends during this sad time. We would also like to thank St John Ambulance, Dr Booth and the staff in the Rehab Ward at Southland Hospital, and the staff at Bupa Ascot Care Home for looking after Geoff so well during his final illness.

MORRISON, Leslie:
Eunice and families wish to sincerely thank everyone for the kind messages, cards, flowers, food, and visits received, following the passing of Les. Heartfelt thanks to all who attended Les's Memorial Service, whether in person or online, and to the Clinton community and the Bowling Clubs for the support and love shown to our family at this very sad time. A special thank-you to Mischael and Jude. As many addresses are unknown, please accept this notice as our personal expression of gratitude.

OWEN-COOPER:
The family of Daphne wish to thank all who sent cards, phone calls, food, prayers, flowers, and the support that was given when our beautiful, loving mum passed away. We would also like to thank Anna from the Salvation Army for the lovely service, and David and staff from Winton & Districts Funeral Home for the care shown at that time. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement as many addresses are unknown.
"Mum, you will forever be in our hearts"

Avenal Park Funeral Frasers Funeral
Share this article
The link has been copied!