Ceremonies By Matiu

03/08/2026

Really looking forward to hosting the launch of this incredibly important book, and hope to see as many of you there as possible! He pō nui, he pō whakahirahira kei te haere!

Join us on August 5 in Ōtepoti Dunedin to celebrate the publication of Tony Ballantyne’s major new history, Captain Cook and the Unsettled Afterlives of Empire. The book will be launched by Vice-Chancellor Hon Grant Robertson. Other speakers include Nick Tūpara and Tony Ballantyne. Matiu Workman will MC the event.

James Cook is one of the most contested figures in Aotearoa New Zealand’s past. Today, his name evokes not only exploration and scientific endeavour but also the violence of first encounters and the enduring legacies of colonisation. In this new book, historian Tony Ballantyne asks what these shifting narratives on Cook reveal about history and the making of national identity.

📍 Hutton Theatre, Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin

🕠 Wednesday 5 August, Doors open 5.30pm

More info here: https://events.humanitix.com/bwb-book-launch-captain-cook-and-the-unsettled-afterlives-of-empire

01/03/2026

Happy one year anniversary to the incredible .driver and .driver. I’ll be forever grateful for your trust in me to lead a beautifully intimate ceremony in front of your whānau, before a celebration in front of your wider community in December. ❤️

You both display such a gentle and supportive love that’s so reflective of you who are. You should be so proud of yourselves - I know your families are.

Photos courtesy of the incredible .image_ 🙌🏽

02/10/2025

Looking forward to hosting what will be a fascinating insight into the game we know and love here in Aotearoa. Make sure you get your tickets below, you won’t want to miss it!

30/09/2025

A real blessing to jump on and support the Southern Hoiho for the 2025 Tauihi season as a pou tikanga (cultural advisor). The players have been fantastic and bought in to incorporating waiata and karakia in various settings. Also amazing to have had the incredible Scott Rātima-Nolan (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga) who created an amazing taonga parāoa for the team. Nō tātou te whiwhi, e te rangatira!
Make sure you support this amazing group of players throughout the Tauihi season! Toitū Te Mana Hoiho!

15/04/2025

Always nice to have the opportunity to support Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka with events on campus, including this event that involved business community and local government representatives. Ko te reo kia tika, ko te reo kia rere, ko te reo kia Māori.

13/04/2025

Has been a busy end to the cricket season, with three events in four days for / , and . Always enjoyable being able to celebrate success at all of the various levels of cricket in the region, particularly the Otago Sparks’ incredible Hallyburton Johnstone Shield victory!

Special shoutout to and .prod for the photos 🫶🏽

03/01/2025

Ngā mihi o te tau hou Pākehā! 🎉🙌🏽🕺
Happy New Year, whānau!

I’m not sure about you, but I’m feeling excited about what 2025 has in store for all of us. That might be because I’m fresh off a wee break with loved ones in Te Hūpēnui/Greytown, or because we are still in the features of summer, but I’m excited about this year 😊👏🏽

They say the holiday period is often a time when milestones happen - engagements, celebrations or planning for something exciting. It’s all about having things to look forward to and celebrate!

If you got engaged over the holidays or have a significant event rolling around - amazing, congratulations! If meaningfully incorporating tikanga Māori into your special day is what you’re after, mixed with jokes that are *at least as* funny as those Christmas cracker ones you heard last year, I’d love to have a chat 🙋🏽‍♂️

Here’s to finding ways to celebrate and thrive in 2025!

11/11/2024

Get in touch to discuss how I can bring the perfect flow and energy to your special day.

09/11/2024

It was an honour to officiate Cat and Ross' beautiful wedding. It was a poignant reminder of true love standing the test of time. They very generously wrote this kind review, which means the world to me:

"We found it daunting to look over the list of 70-something certified celebrants and pick one, but we feel very fortunate that we chose Matiu. He put a lot of effort into getting to know us and our story, weaving it into a special and tailored ceremony. Preparations were complicated by the 12-hour time difference between us in Norway and New Zealand, but Matiu was flexible, patient, and persistent.

From our first conversation, Matiu's openness and calming presence made the whole process both fun and enlightening. On the day, he seamlessly blended sincerity, procedure, and a good dose of humour that had everyone smiling. His efforts truly made it the best possible day for us.

Anyone on the lookout for a celebrant who embraces aroha, crafts a ceremony with a touch of te reo, and adds a sprinkle of humour should absolutely choose Matiu!"

07/11/2024

It's a special day for you both to stand true in who you are, together.

Contact me today to start planning a ceremony that truly reflects your love story.