who we are
About Gentle Waters
Co-founded in 2022 by Dr Nic Macdonald and Michelle Kirk, Gentle Waters Pet Cremation offers Christchurch and the South Island’s first Pet Water Cremation Service.
what we believe
Our Mission
Our Mission is to provide Canterbury with a compassionate and personalised water cremation service allowing owners to respectfully honour and farewell their beloved family pet while being kind to the environment.
Let one of your pet’s final destinations be in the caring, compassionate arms of the guardians at Gentle Waters Pet Cremation.
Our People
Dr Nic Macdonald (BVMS) - Owner - Veterinarian
Dr Nic Macdonald is a registered Veterinarian who graduated from Glasgow University in 2001.
Nic has always been passionate about treating animals with respect and love as the hugely important family members that they are.
Nic’s career in Veterinary Medicine saw her spend a lot of time working in emergency medicine and critical care. Most recently Nic practices as a veterinarian in her own Pet Home Euthanasia service Our Pet’s Goodbye, which she set up in 2018.
At home Nic has two cats and a son who has inherited the same love of animals as well.
Nic’s passion as a veterinarian has always been her animal patients and their families through all stages of veterinary treatment. Part of her drive to set up Gentle Waters with Michelle was to extend the level of care that we give our pets during their life, in their moments of passing away and beyond their death as well.
Michelle Kirk - Owner - Dip Veterinary Nurse
Michelle is a qualified Veterinary Nurse who graduated from Otago Polytechnic. A lifelong advocate for animals, she gained invaluable experience working in Melbourne, Australia, and Montreal, Canada.
Upon returning to New Zealand, Michelle worked in Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care at Christchurch’s After Hours Veterinary Centre. It was there she met Nic, and together they dedicated themselves to providing compassionate care for Canterbury pets and their families.
Inspired by the tragic loss of her beloved Jack Russell, Mallory, Michelle now channels her passion into pet cremation and afterlife care. She is committed to ensuring every pet receives the love, dignity and respect they deserve while offering comfort and support to grieving families during their time of loss.
Kylie - Pet Afterlife Care Guardian
My husband and I have three daughters who are growing up far too fast.
I coach a marching team, where two of my daughters compete, while our youngest marches in a different grade.
Our home is always full of life with two dogs, Millie, a Border Collie-Huntaway mix, and Rafiki, a Bearded Collie-Huntaway-German Shepherd mix, our three cats, Polly, Sparky, and Bella, and four chickens.
Most weekends, we’re either on the marching field or out exploring the outdoors on bush walks and tramps with our dogs. During the Christmas break, we love camping and making the most of our time together.
Time spent with family and pets is the best time.
Nicky - Pet Afterlife Care Guardian & Veterinary Nurse
Nicky is a caring, dedicated veterinary nurse and proud mum to two gorgeous children. A loving guardian to a menagerie of pets, and a heart full of compassion, Nicky brings warmth and care to her role. Known for going above and beyond, Nicky ensures every family feels supported and comforted during their time of grief. Her gentle nature and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable part of the team, providing solace and kindness when it is needed most.
Robyn - Pet Afterlife Care Guardian & Veterinary Nurse
Robyn is a compassionate veterinary nurse, a mum to two grown children, and her beloved Miniature Pinscher, Twiggy. She treats each precious pet with the dignity and respect they deserve, ensuring they are cared for like family every step of the way. Robyn’s attention to detail and heartfelt approach bring comfort to grieving families, reflecting her deep commitment to honoring every pet’s memory.
Saying goodbye is never easy. Let us help.
Email: hello@gentlewaters.co.nz
Call: 022 400 4000
Hours by appointment only, please call or email first.