I Make Headstones in New Zealand
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.
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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79.5% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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20.5% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
By-election for Otara-Papatoetoe area
Just to let everyone know that we have another by-election happening, and here is the reason why. Below are details and dates, so keep an eye on your letter boxes.
The Manukau Court’s Ruling
The Manukau District Court determined that the Papatoetoe subdivision result of the Ōtara–Papatoetoe Local Board election was invalid, ruling that the outcome had been “materially affected” by voting irregularities. Judge Richard McIlraith found that the scale and nature of the irregularities met the legal threshold required to void an election under New Zealand’s local electoral laws.
In his decision, Judge McIlraith stated that the evidence presented — including reports of stolen voting papers, fraudulent use of ballots, and other procedural irregularities — was sufficient to conclude that the integrity of the election had been compromised. The court noted that at least 79 voting papers were identified as having been cast without the rightful voter’s knowledge during a judicially supervised examination of ballot boxes.
While the judge acknowledged that the election had been administered “properly and in accordance with all requirements” by Independent Election Services and the electoral officer, he concluded that the fraudulent activity originated outside the official process and nonetheless impacted the final result to a degree that required the election to be voided.
As a result of the ruling, the court ordered that a new election must be held, with Auckland Council confirming that the fresh poll must be completed by 9 April 2026
Today’s Mind-Bender is the Last of the Year! Can You Guess It Before Everyone Else? 🌟🎁🌲
I dance in the sky with green and gold, a spectacle few are lucky to behold; I’m best seen in the south, a celestial sight—what am I, lighting up the New Zealand night?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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