Tong & Peryer traces its origins back to 1878, when it began trading as S.T. Tong – Cabinetmaker & Undertaker.

This year marks 140 years of service to the Hawkes Bay Community and proud to still be a family owned business.

S T Tong was situated in Karamu Road, Hastings and as was customary in those times, the funeral directing aspect was run as a 'sideline' to the main activities of the cabinet making firm.

We have kindly been given a copy of an old invoice (Thanks to Christine Stork – of Hastings), showing the costs for a funeral service held in 1922 of fifteen pounds, seven shillings and sixpence and the telephone number was 121 and private contact 483, how times change.

Over a number of years Mr S. T. Tong was joined by his sons, George, Bert and C.O. (Ossie) Tong, and in 1938, Ossie Tong together with Mr Austin McIvor formed a new company trading as Tong & McIvor.

In 1957, Mr Des Peryer (formerly from Gisborne bought the shares of Austin McIvor and the company underwent another name change to "Tong & Peryer Ltd".

In the 1960's the remaining shares were purchased from the Tong family when S.T. Tong (grandson to the founder) moved to Taupo. Two years later he joined the Company as an employee until his retirement from the Company in 1983.

Mr John Peryer (Des Peryer's Son) ran the business until 2007 when it was on sold in 2007 to Terry Longley & Son of Havelock North - also a family owned funeral home. Retaining the Tong and Peryer name has been paramount as the company has now been in existence for  140 years and held a special place in Hastings Funeral Directing history, serving many Hawke's Bay families over the years. Shortly after that time the business was also relocated to new premises at 509 Queen St West, Hastings.

The new premises at Queen Street are now able to offer, Private Family Lounges and Visitation Rooms to allow family and friends the opportunity to visit and pay the last respects in peaceful surroundings.

Tong & Peryer are proud to be associated with the New Zealand Independent Funeral Homes.
New Zealand Independent Funeral Homes (NZIFH), was formed by a group of leading New Zealand Funeral Directors to 'Set the Standard' in client service, Funeral Home premises and training.

All members of NZIFH must;

• Be independent New Zealand family owned and operated.
• Up hold the NZIFH Misson statement.
• Have proprietor(s) that are recognized as having many years of experience in Funeral Service and are acknowledged by their peers in NZIFH as leaders in their profession.
• Have Personnel that are well trained, professional and experienced and are encouraged to pursue continuing education Demonstrate high standards of professionalism, integrity and ethics.
• Have a reputation for caring, personal service.
• Occupy Funeral Home buildings and facilities that are recognized as being of a superior standard.

 
NZIFH Mission Statement

"To promote amongst its members the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethics, a spirit of co-operation and support, and service excellence through ongoing education, to benefit the communities they serve"