Matthew Oliver Amiss

Also known as "Matt"

25 June 197517 January 2026

AMISS, Matthew Oliver (Matt)

Sadly passed away on 17 January 2026, aged 50 years at Pilot Bay Mount Maunganui. 

Loved husband to Kate, father to Lachlan and Taylor, son of Trevor and Elizabeth, brother to Victoria and Charlotte, much loved son-in-law to Rod and Ann, brother-in-Law to Emily, Mike, Nicola, Johnny, Wayne and Will.

Matt was a dedicated, devoted husband and father, and an inspiration to his family, never giving up when faced with tough challenges. Matt was a people magnet and exceptionally loyal friend who was loved by all that knew him. He will be forever missed.

A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at The North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany on Tuesday 27 January 2026, at 11am. A livestream is available on the Dil’s Funeral Services website.

Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services

Tributes

Reflecting on all our times together, the banter and the realisation you are no longer with us. Standout was our trip to Barcelona, great city and some great memories. Still jealous the joggers didn’t come in my size, but happy you could get them. Lost the Estrella Damm stein glass in a move we each had, hope yours lasted longer. Rest in peace mate! Time goes too fast - carpe diem

Andrew

Dear Kate, Lachlan and Taylor From 'The Albany Pool 5.30am crew' we send you all our deepest sympathy and aroha for the sad passing of Matt. We didn't find out about his passing until after his memorial service so we are sorry that were not able to offer our condolences and farewell him in person. We all miss seeing Matt every morning in the pool - he was an inspiration to all of us - his speed, his dedication to fitness, his kindness, his friendship, and his yarns - in the pool and in the sauna, especially with Eddie, his Rugby League Buddy. He was so proud of his family and our thoughts and love go out to you at this time Arohanui from us to you Photo from Left to Right: Ollie, Millie, Dean, Christine, Mark, Eddie, Jane

Jane Hamer

R.I.P. Matt, taken way too soon. COYS

Jonny Wrigley

Dearest Matt, It’s still so hard to comprehend that you’re no longer here with us. Yet, without question, the impact you had has left a mark far and wide. What a privilege it was to work alongside you - to collaborate, to create, and to share yarns about everything… and sometimes nothing at all. You were endlessly encouraging and supportive, with a rare ability to read a room and bring a presence like no one else. I deeply admired your drive, your passion for your work, and most of all, your unwavering commitment to people. A true people-first leader in every sense of the word. It was an honour to attend your farewell virtually. The words spoken by those closest to you painted such a powerful picture of the man you were - generous, kind, funny, respected, and deeply loved. Anyone who had the privilege of sharing time with you was incredibly lucky. Sending all my love and prayers to your family and friends during this heartbreaking time. You will always be remembered - for who you were, how you showed up, and the legacy you leave behind. Kia Kaha, Hannah

Hannah Brazier

You will be greatly missed from our team Matt. Sending my thoughts to Kate, your boys and your family and friends x

Kylie Teuma

Darling big brother, Matthew. I got away with calling you Matthew for all of your life. You once said to me, “You can call me Matt now, we’re older.”
But no—thank you. I liked Matthew.
And you’d reply, “I’ll just call you V.” Charlotte is Char … 
that was us. Comfortable, teasing, besties A language only siblings truly share. Matthew was always moving, always pushing forward. Active! Circuits and swimming we did together 
“Come on, V… 72 lengths!”
And there I was, little sister tagging along, trying to keep up, trying to be brave, trying to match his pace. He never let me fall behind for long. Then came the travel bug.
 Airmail letters that felt like treasures. Adventures from :
Tenerife to World wide tickets 
Sydney. Auckland. London. St Neots.
 No matter where Matthew landed, he made it home & no matter the distance, our bond stretched across the pond without ever weakening. Matthew built networks & friendships wherever he went.
Memories were made.
Connections held.
A love that never faded to all those he knew 
He championed the people he loved—always cheering, always encouraging, always believing. Kate and family will always be part of our lives 
Cousins bonded. Lives intertwined, opportunities to take and travels to be had!!! Matthew was an influencer long before the word existed.
A leader
A people’s magnet.
Someone who landed on his feet, time and time again, even when life tested him. To us he was simply our big brother. 
One of the blondies. 
A bond forever Amiss - you leave us with love to last a lifetime. Matthew, we will talk of you. 
We will laugh about you. 
We will remember you. 
And we will carry you with us—always. xxx

Victoria Amiss-Smith

Matthew was our first child, Liz and I welcomed him into this world and we were filled with pride, joy, and love. He was then to be joined his two sisters Charlotte and Victoria. Matthew was a cheeky, mischievous and lovable little boy. He loved and was protective of his sisters. We were such a very happy family of five. From our first foreign holiday, the seed for Matthews dream to travel had been sown Sports played an important part of Matthew’s life from an early age, too many to list but he tried them all! After completing his college course in business and tourism he set off to begin his love of travelling supported by funds from family members. He travelled with friends and made more along the way. Mum even forgave him when he returned home with dreadlocks! he even gifted her one as a Souvenir before setting off again. Over the years he took upon numerous jobs to enable him to travel and enjoy many adventures. His travelling culminated in Matthew meeting and falling in love with Kate when they were both living and working in Sydney. We may have been separated from Matthew and family by thousands of miles, but we were always in regular contact. At the end of each visit Matthew would always say Don’t worry mum & dad we are only a flight a way. Matthew’s lasting legacy will be his two wonderful sons Lachlan and Taylor. Not forgetting the cherished memories we all share. Matthew may no longer be with us in person but his spirit will live on in our hearts. Bless you Love mum, dad and all the family - including family friends that span the years.

Liz & Trevor Amiss

Darling big brother, Matthew. Matthew… I suppose I should start with your name. I got away with calling you Matthew for all of your life. You once said to me, “You can call me Matt now, we’re older.”
But no—thank you. I liked Matthew.
And you’d reply, “I’ll just call you V.” Charlotte is Char … 
That was us. Comfortable, teasing, besties A language only siblings truly share. Matthew was always moving, always pushing forward. Active! Circuits and swimming we did together 
“Come on, V… 72 lengths!”
And there I was, little sister tagging along, trying to keep up, trying to be brave, trying to match his pace. He never let me fall behind for long. Then came the travel bug.
 Airmail letters that felt like treasures. Adventures from :
Tenerife to World wide tickets Bali, 
Sydney, Auckland, London & St Neots.
 No matter where Matthew landed, he made it home. And no matter the distance, our bond stretched across the pond without ever weakening. Matthew built networks & friendships wherever he went.
Memories were made.
Connections held.
A love that never faded to all those he knew 
He championed the people he loved—always cheering, always encouraging, always believing. 
 Kate and family will always be part of our lives. Cousins bonded. Lives intertwined, opportunities to take and travels to be had!!! Matthew was an influencer long before the word existed.
 A leader, 
A people’s magnet.
Someone who landed on his feet, time and time again, even when life tested him. To us he was simply our big brother. 
One of the blondies. 
A bond forever Amiss - you leave us with love to last a lifetime. Matthew, we will talk of you 
We will laugh about you 
We will remember you 
And we will carry you with us—always xxx

Victoria Amiss-Smith

What a privilege to have known you Matt. You were an incredible colleague, leader and friend. You lit up the room, always with a great big smile on your face. You often made me laugh at the little things. You taught me so much. Your discipline, envious organisational skills and putting other people first every time. Sending my love and prayers to your family. You’ll be so missed buddy.

Emma McNeill

Even though it’s been many years since we last spoke, Matt was always in my thoughts. Growing up together, I saw him not just as a cousin but as an older brother — someone I admired and was inspired by throughout my life. I measured my own goals against the standards he set and pushed myself to reach them. Losing him has taken a piece of my heart. My thoughts are with Kate and the boys during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, cuz. COYS.

Paul Amiss

Matt, you'll be sorely missed at ITW and in team NZ - thank you for everything, will miss having a beer together catching up on the football chat. Rest easy mate.

Ewan McFarlane

Matt Amiss was a kind, cheeky, and deeply trusting soul whose presence made life lighter for everyone around him at ITW. His warmth, humour, and genuine heart will be remembered with love.

Liam McBirney

Kate the love you two shared was beautiful and inspiring. I’m thinking of you and sending you all my love during this heartbreaking time.

To a wonderful man

We met Matt at our very dear friends, Vicki + Johnny´s, Wedding in Dec `06 (Vicki is Matt´s sister). Deepest sympathy at this very sad time

Cherie + Tom

Matt, I will always remember you as a positive and welcoming person. I remember when you first asked Kate out and the conversations we girls had about this gentlemanly Englishman and what a proper first date looked like. It was lovely to watch your relationship unfold—to see a dear friend marry a wonderful man and build a beautiful family together. Your cheerfulness and drive were truly admirable. You will be deeply missed. Our deepest condolences to Kate, Lachie, and Taylor. We have you in our thoughts and send our love and strength.

Jade Firth

What do you say when words—no matter how carefully chosen—still fall short? We may not have known each other for a lifetime, but for the past three years we spoke almost every day, and that mattered more than time alone can measure. I’ll miss the familiar “G’day Matt… ahh, g’day,” the small moments that became part of the rhythm of each day. Rest easy, fella. You’ll be missed.

Johan Claassen

Mat was one of those rare people who carried a massive presence into every room he walked into. You felt him immediately — his energy, his warmth, just by being there. Louie and Evie both absolutely loved his company. There was so much laughter when Mat was around. For Louie especially, Mat was a role model. Someone to look up to. He inspired him to think bigger, to imagine a future that might even take him out to New Zealand. Mat was always an early riser, and in his own way, he taught me to enjoy the mornings too. Mat’s presence, his laughter, his influence, and his spirit remain with us — in our stories, in our mornings, and in the lives he touched so effortlessly. He will never be forgotten.

Jonny Boy

You came into my life so early, a tiny three-month-old at our wedding, already part of our family story, a small baby held close on one of my happiest days. I watched you grow, and later followed your life from afar, connected by love even when distance separated us. Though your time here was heartbreakingly short, your presence was real and meaningful. I like to believe that nothing truly precious is ever lost—that what mattered most simply changes form. You remain with me now, in memory, in love, and in the quiet spaces where I still feel you near and think of you. My love goes out to you Kate and your boys, even though we’ve never met. A family that’s been left without a partner and parent is just too heartbreaking. Much love Julie Aunt

Julie

Thank you Matt, for being an inspiration, great leader, and always carrying your smile around work. I admired your energy, assertiveness and confidence. It was such a privilege to work with you, you will very much be missed. I will miss our chats and seeing you around the office. My sincere condolences to Kate, Lachlan, Taylor and the wider family.

Juliet Todd

Although I hadn’t seen Matthew for many years, I have so many happy memories of growing up together. When I think back to my childhood, he’s part of so many moments filled with laughter and fun. Time and distance may have kept us apart, but those memories have always stayed with me. I’m truly grateful for them and for the part he played in my early years. My thoughts are with Matthew’s family — his wife and children — and with everyone who loved him. X

Nina

I knew Matt from growing up in St. Neots, and we became friends aged 14/15 whilst on a German exchange. When my husband and I went travelling 20 years ago we stayed with Matt in Manly for a few days, and he showed us around and took us on some great nights out in Sydney! We’re so shocked and saddened to hear of Matts sudden passing. Matt was a real gent, kind and had a great sense of humour. Our condolences to all of his family and loved ones ❤️

Emma and Dabe

I knew Matt from growing up in St. Neots, and we became friends aged 14/15 whilst on a German exchange. When my husband and I went travelling 20 years ago we stayed with Matt in Manly for a few days, and he showed us around and took us on some great nights out in Sydney! We’re so shocked and saddened to hear of Matts sudden passing. Matt was a real gent, kind and had a great sense of humour. Our condolences to all of his family and loved ones ❤️

Emma and Dabe

I knew Matt from growing up in St. Neots, and we became friends aged 14/15 whilst on a German exchange. When my husband and I went travelling 20 years ago we stayed with Matt in Manly for a few days, and he showed us around and took us on some great nights out in Sydney! We’re so shocked and saddened to hear of Matts sudden passing. Matt was a real gent, kind and had a great sense of humour. Our condolences to all of his family and loved ones ❤️

Emma and Dabe

I have many memories of Matthew, first of all as a sunny child and then as a young man with an easy manner and a warm welcoming smile. We didn't often see him after he moved to the other side of the world but, through Liz and Trevor, we were able to keep up with his news and see family photos. He was clearly very happy and fulfilled in the life he'd made for himself in New Zealand with Kate, Lachie and Taylor. Although he has been taken from us tragically early, Matt will continue to live on for many years in the memories of all who know and love him: 'No-one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away... The span of someone's life is only the core of their actual existence.' We send our love and condolences to all his family and friends, Uncle David and Ann

David Amiss

Matt, I cant believe I'm having to write something here to remember you by. 😢 However, I will be forever grateful for everything you taught and shared with me over the past 10 years that you worked at RamsetReid. You were the best boss ever but most of the time you were more like a mate. So many great memories that will live on. Kate, Lachlan,Taylor and Family sending you my sincere condolences at this tough time. Matt will be missed so much 🥰

Mel Whiting

I have loved Matthew since I first saw him as a new-born in my sister Elizabeth’s arms and I was also privileged to become his godmother. He brought such joy to our mother Betty, who was delighted to be his grandmother for the last two difficult years of her life before passing away from cancer at just 49 years old. Our father Ted, found such comfort in being Grandpa, watching him grow up alongside his younger sisters Charlotte and Victoria as a mischievous little boy. He later gave me my nickname of AJ as calling me Aunty Jenny became too childish for him and I am now always known as AJ by all the family. As he grew up Matthew enjoyed travel and set off to explore around the world and found that he wanted to make his future initially in Australia and then moving to New Zealand after marrying Kate and becoming a father to Lachlan and Taylor. Matthew was always greatly missed by his family in the UK, but it was wonderful to see how happy he was as he thrived in his new life down under. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kate, Lachlan and Taylor at this time as they face the sudden devastating and unbearable loss of a beloved husband and father. Rest in Peace Matthew –you will be much missed by your family and friends worldwide. With all our love AJ and Ron xx

Jennifer Linkins

Matt or as I called you Bro. The times we had together were precious and I will always remember them especially taking you to the Emirates to watch Arsenal with Ben and telling everybody around to stand up if they hated Tottenham. Your face when you had to stand up. The times you took me to the pub to watch the rugby World Cup at 7 in the morning and wanted me to stay out afterwards. I had no chance when I phoned your Sister(Charlotte). These memories will be with me for ever,Just like you will be. Lachie and Taylor will grow to be fine Men just like you. Take Care for now Bro ❤️❤️

Wayne Abbott

Thank you Uncle Matthew for the memories spent together. Always brought the laughter and fun to the family gatherings. Always having a chat about sport, in particular football, despite the poor choice of team he supported. Despite being the other side of the world we always loved seeing your achievements. He will forever be missed❤️❤️❤️

Ben and Josh Abbott

Thank you Matt for all your support over the last 6 years, you were truly an inspiring man to work alongside and taught me so much for which I am forever grateful 🙏 To Kate, Lachlan, Taylor and the family, my sincere condolences to you all 🥰 he will be forever missed ❤️

Vanessa Smith

I will always be proud to call you my big brother, your time with us so sadly has come to an end as you fly high with the angels, but you will forever be in our hearts and memories. Your legacy lives on through your 2 boys Lachie and Taylor and they will continue to make you proud. Give strength to Kate, Lachie and Taylor, give them the courage to treasure all the memories and times they had together. We had a wonderful childhood with Mum, Dad and Victoria and will hold dearly our memories together and every time I see a robin I shall think of you. This is not goodbye, just see you later. Lots of love Char ❤️

Charlotte Abbott

Matt’s soul will continue to live on—through his precious boys, through the warmth of the sun on our skin, and in the quiet magic of rainbows that appear just when we need them most. I truly believe those moments are little reminders that love never leaves us; it simply changes form. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all. May you feel his presence in the gentle moments, and may his love surround you always.

Lydia Drake
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