What a busy and vibrant eight months it has been for Celebrants Aotearoa! From the whirlwind of ceremonies across the country to the recent wrap-up of another successful national conference, celebrants in Aotearoa have once again shown their commitment to excellence, connection, and cultural integrity in their work.
The 2025 Celebrants Aotearoa Conference was a standout highlight - a gathering that brought together a wealth of knowledge, shared experiences, and future-forward thinking. With experts presenting across key areas such as weddings, funerals, and cultural safety practices, it was a space where learning was deep, conversations were honest, and the sense of community was strong.
This year’s focus on cultural safety in particular reflects an ongoing and vital shift in the celebrant profession. More celebrants are recognising their responsibility not just to conduct ceremonies, but to do so in ways that are inclusive, respectful, and grounded in the diverse cultural values of the communities they serve. Workshops and keynote sessions offered practical guidance on tikanga Māori, cross-cultural sensitivities, and ways to navigate ceremony with authenticity and care.
It’s no small feat to manage the volume of weddings and funerals that take place in Aotearoa each year - often in deeply personal, emotionally charged circumstances - while also committing to ongoing professional development. Yet our celebrants continue to rise to the occasion, blending professionalism with compassion, creativity with structure, and tradition with innovation.
As we move into the second half of 2025, the momentum is strong. Celebrants Aotearoa members are not only delivering meaningful ceremonies but are also shaping the future of what it means to mark life’s milestones in Aotearoa with care and cultural depth. Whether it’s a wedding at a windswept beach, a farewell ceremony in a marae, or a baby naming in a city park, celebrants are there - holding space, honouring stories, and helping people connect through ritual and meaning.
To all the celebrants across the motu: thank you for the heart, time, and thought you put into your work. And to the wider community: know that behind every beautiful ceremony stands a dedicated professional, backed by an organisation committed to growth, learning, and service.
This was also the last project Rachel Clarke our Celebrant Aotearoa NZ President, and National Executives, Elaine Spearman and Helen O'Shaughnessy supported. We wish them all the best and thank you for your service. We do appreciate you all.
Here’s to the rest of 2025 - and to continuing the important mahi together.
Naku noa, naa
