277 days ago

I Make Headstones in New Zealand

Devin from East Tamaki

I Make Headstones in New Zealand
It all started many years ago—with my Samoan aunt.
She wanted to create a custom headstone for her mother, who was buried in Apia, the capital of Samoa. She knew my family owned a stone quarry and processing factory in China, and that I had studied architectural design, so she asked for my help.

I designed her mother’s first headstone—not just the shape and inscription layout, but also helped manage the international logistics.
It was also my first time attending a headstone unveiling ceremony in Samoa.
That day left a deep impression on me.
It took place in a seaside villa, with headstones on either side of the front yard. Family members had traveled from all over the world to attend—not to say goodbye, but to celebrate a life. They shared stories and memories. There were tears, but also laughter.
The atmosphere was peaceful, warm, and harmonious—completely different from the traditional Chinese way I grew up with, where death is seen as taboo, and everything is filled with heaviness and sorrow.
In that moment, something quietly shifted inside me.
After that, I went on to help more Samoan families design and create headstones—over a dozen in total. I often visited cemeteries with them too.
But cemeteries there are not like the ones in China.
They’re like gardens—lush, open, beautiful. People bring flowers, food, and stories. They sit beside the graves of their loved ones, even in the evening, talking to them softly.
That’s when I realized: a headstone is not just a piece of stone.
It’s an extension of love. It’s memory made tangible.
Eventually, someone said to me:
“You should start your own headstone business—help more people do this right.”
So I did.
That year, I began taking this seriously in New Zealand.
After years of structured training and certification, we were officially licensed by the government—becoming one of the few approved memorial stone workshops in the country. To date, we’ve helped thousands of families.
Helping them do one final, meaningful thing for their loved ones.
Not for cold business,
But to make remembrance visible through design and stone—
To let memory rest gently in the wind, and let love linger, without fading.

Negotiable

More messages from your neighbours
6 hours ago

🎉 Riddle me this, legends! 🎉

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

He/She who makes it, sells it.
He/She who buys it, doesn't use it.
The user doesn't know they are using it.
What is it?

(Shezz from Ngāruawāhia kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Shezz!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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2 days ago

Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?

What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?

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If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
  • 37.2% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
    37.2% Complete
  • 62.8% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
    62.8% Complete
505 votes
5 days ago

Scam Alert: Bank cold calls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.

🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.

Remember, banks will:​​
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes​​
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device​​
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.

If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.

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