Meet the makers

We are Julian and Lisa Turner, the husband-and-wife team behind Lumora by Turner. Based in the North Waikato region of New Zealand, we live on a small lifestyle property where we grow spray-free vegetables for our family and local community. Life is always lively at our place — shared with 28 hens, two dogs, and one very opinionated cat.

Julian is the creative force behind our designs. After 40 years in the graphic design industry, his role was made redundant in late 2024. Despite his experience, the search for new opportunities proved challenging. Out of that difficult season, and through a series of unexpected turns, we discovered something deeply meaningful — a gap in the market for truly personalised urns to honour and celebrate loved ones, both human and animal.

Our journey began with a design inspired by our cat — affectionately known as “the boss” of our household. She kept all the other pets in line while ensuring her humans were firmly under her paw. From there, we created a medium/large dog urn to capture the spirit of our beloved Reuben. He adored the ocean and lived a long, full life of nearly 16 years. We wanted his urn to reflect both his youthful energy and the gentle dignity of his later years.

What started as a way to remember our pets quickly grew. Encouraged by family, we extended our designs to honour people too. Like many, we had experienced how traditional urns often end up hidden away, lacking the warmth or personal touch that reflects who our loved ones really were. By incorporating imagery and personalisation, we’ve created urns that can proudly take their place in the home — sparking memories, sharing stories, and offering comfort.

At Lumora by Turner, our mission is simple: to create meaningful, personalised memorials that celebrate life and bring comfort to those left behind.