We know our funeral services can only be as good as the people who look after you and your family. This is why we only employ a team of experienced and professional funeral service experts, and we continually invest in our people to provide a respectful service. Each of our staff comes from a variety of backgrounds, offering you the expertise you need.

All our people are highly experienced; each individual understands what you are going through. Each are dedicated to plan a funeral that truly reflects the life of your loved one. Meet the hands behind the success of Ninness Funeral Home:
Brenden Jacobsen
Brenden Jacobsen JP
Brenden Jacobsen | Funeral Director
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Brenden Jacobsen is the Managing Director of Ninness Funeral Home and holds the proud distinction of being the longest-serving practicing funeral director in Porirua City, an accomplishment that was recognised in 2023 by being awarded the Porirua City Mayoral Award, for service to the community.

With a deep-rooted connection to the community, Brenden was raised in Pauatahanui and educated locally before attending St Patrick’s College, Silverstream.

Brenden began his career in funeral service in 2001 and has since completed formal qualifications in both Funeral Directing and Embalming. In 2010, he furthered his professional development by earning a Diploma in Business and Management.

Under Brenden’s leadership, Ninness Funeral Home remains locally and independently owned—a value that reflects his strong commitment to the Porirua community. As a member of the Oceania Funeral Alliance (OFA) and serving as it's current Chairperson, Brenden advocates for community-based funeral services that prioritise care, integrity, and local ownership over corporate control, a contrast to many providers in the Wellington region.

He is an active member of several professional bodies, including the British Institute of Embalmers (BIE), New Zealand Embalmers Association (NZEA), Australian Institute of Embalmers (AIE), and is a registered funeral director with the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ). In November 2024, Brenden was appointed Vice Chair of the British Institute of Embalmers (Australasian Division).

Brenden’s dedication to service extends beyond his profession. As a Justice of the Peace, he is honoured to support the wider community in a civic capacity. He is also a proud member of Lions International (Tawa), having served as past president, secretary, and board member. His community involvement includes membership in The Porirua Club and The Royal Wellington Golf Club.

With a strong belief in the value of open dialogue around end-of-life care, Brenden is a frequent guest speaker and welcomes the opportunity to share his insights on the important role of funerals in honouring life.

Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys time with family and friends and travelling.
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Andrew Patterson
Andrew Patterson | Funeral Director
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Andrew Patterson commenced his career in the funeral service industry in 1990 and is now recognised as one of Wellington’s longest serving and most experienced funeral directors. With formal qualifications as both an embalmer and funeral director, Andrew holds credentials from the New Zealand Embalmers Association (NZEA) and the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ).
 
Throughout his career, Andrew has guided countless families through some of life’s most difficult moments with empathy, professionalism, and care. He previously managed a well-established Wellington city-based funeral home, where he earned a strong reputation for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to high standards in funeral service.

Prior to joining Ninness Funeral Home in 2024, Andrew worked as a funeral director in the Hutt Valley.
 
Andrew takes pride in the lifestyle that comes with his role, by serving the community with respect and compassion while being available when people need him most.
 
Outside of work, Andrew is a family man, married to Kirsten, with two children. He enjoys spending his downtime supporting rugby, football, playing golf and together with Kirsten, supporting their children’s many interests.
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Larry Greco
Larry Greco | Funeral Director

Larry Greco is the middle son of the late Raffaele and Hilda Greco of Island Bay.
 
He began his career in funeral service in 2003 and joined Ninness Funeral Home in 2017. Today, Larry is regarded as one of Wellington’s most respected and recognisable funeral directors, known for his compassion and unwavering commitment to the families he serves.
 
Before entering funeral service, Larry held various roles in the New Zealand Forest Service, the Department of Social Welfare, and NZ Post. He is also a former Religious Brother with the Society of Mary (SM), having served in communities across Blenheim, Auckland, Silverstream, and Timaru. Larry later returned to secular life to care for his ailing father.
 
A dedicated member of the local community, Larry is a parishioner of the Parish of Wellington South and regularly worships at St Francis de Sales Church in Island Bay. He also serves as an executive member of Club Garibaldi, Wellington’s Italian club.
 
Larry’s interests include keeping fit, fishing, reading, music, and supporting local sports teams, especially Marist St Pats.
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Kaye Jacobsen
Kaye Jacobsen | Funeral Director

Kaye Jacobsen was born and raised in Pauatahanui, where she attended Pauatahanui School before completing her secondary education at Tawa College. She is a proud descendant of one of the Porirua Basin’s early settler families, the Death family, who hold a significant place in local history. Remarkably, one of Kaye’s earliest ancestors is believed to have been among the first pakeha women to set foot in New Zealand.
 
Kaye has long been involved in the funeral profession and brings a unique depth of local knowledge, empathy, and quiet strength to her work. Her grounded presence and genuine care have made her a trusted figure to many families during their time of loss. She is passionate about creating meaningful and respectful farewells and has developed strong community connections through her professional and personal life.
 
Kaye is an active member of the Porirua Club and maintains strong ties to the region she has always called home. Outside of her professional role, Kaye enjoys a range of interests including sport (especially supporting the Warriors), travel, sewing, darts, and time away in her mobile caravan. She especially values time spent with family. Kaye is married to John, and together they have raised three adult children.
 
Kaye’s warmth, compassion, and deep roots in the community and quick sense of humour make her a valued member of the funeral directing team and a quiet yet reassuring presence for the families she serves.
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Mark Knapp
Mark Knapp | Funeral Director

​​Mark Knapp joined the team at Ninness Funeral Home part time in 2018, later joining the company full time in 2025, following a successful and extensive career in the telecommunications industry. With a strong commitment to supporting others, he brings compassion, professionalism, and a calm presence to families during their time of need.
 
Educated at Heretaunga College, Mark is a lifelong resident of Upper Hutt, where he lives with his wife. He is a proud father of three adult children and enjoys spending time with his two grandchildren.
 
Outside of work, Mark has a passion for motorsports and is an avid supporter of rugby (especially the Hurricanes) and rugby league, with a particular loyalty to the Manly Sea Eagles. He also enjoys travelling and values time spent with his family.
 
Mark considers it a privilege to help guide families through one of life’s most difficult times with care and dignity.
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Sheryl Lamont
Sheryl Lamont - Office Administrator 

​Sheryl Lamont was originally from Westport and moved to Wellington in 1998.

Sheryl comes with a wealth of experience in financial management having worked with various financial firms. She then had a change of career and worked for The Department of Corrections for ten years. Upon returning to the finance sector Sheryl joined the Ninness Team and looks after the day to day funeral accounts and administration.

During her spare time, she has a great interest in many sports, loves walking and keeping fit. Sheryl also enjoys watching movies and catching up with family and friends.

Sheryl is married to Monty and has two adult children, Kyle and Sarah. She lives in Whitby.