By Brenda Chapman, Vice President Celebrants Aotearoa
Spring has sprung! And with that, comes a busier time for celebrants and for the National Executive too! On Wednesday night, we welcomed Wendy Eynon from the Taranaki Branch to her first meeting. We are
delighted to have both Wendy and Libby as new members of our National Executive. We decided on
portfolios and the work that we will be doing for the next six months or so.
Portfolios are:
• Anna, our President – National Education and Ongoing Professional Development, stakeholder
management of BDM, communications, branch liaison, and oversight of everything!
• Iwi – membership, liaison to several branches, Māori rōpū
• Libby – stakeholder management of FDANZ (as she is a funeral celebrant), branch liaison, review of
the requirements for branches (how can we lighten your load?)
• Wendy – branch liaison, Māori rōpū
• Brenda, Vice-President – communications, VCANZ/registry ceremonies
Finances are ably led by Hazel, and Anna and Brenda are the approvers of expenses.
Thank you to those people who have replied to our survey about your future professional development.
There were several themes, and we will be creating a plan for more online delivery so that all members can
easily take advantage. One of the requests was about training on how to use Canva, and we have a great
opportunity for you!
Auckland Branch is supporting the country by offering a free practical demonstration of how to use Canva
with Kineta Knight Booker, our knowledgeable communications manager.
Do you want to build a strong business by curating a streamlined, recognisable online presence? This is for
anyone new to the world of graphics, as well as those looking to teach themselves how to make their
graphics stand out.
Here are the details:
• Monday, 10 November 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, online via zoom
• Get your tickets for this free event here!
I look forward to my final year on the National Executive and supporting our members in all things celebrancy.
Best wishes for a beautiful spring and summer,
Brenda
