Dave Pipe - Celebrant

Dave Pipe - Celebrant Wedding and Funeral Celebrant I am a Hawke’s Bay based Independent Civil Celebrant, however travel outside the region can be discussed.

If you are looking for a celebrant who will help you create a celebration for one of life’s milestone events, then I could be the person to assist you. Whether it’s your “Big Day” – your wedding, or a sad day – the funeral for a loved one, I will work closely with you to create a celebration that really acknowleges and respects the occasion, that is memorable. My background has very much been one

of community involvement. I was a successful talkback host and award-winning broadcaster for 25 years both in radio and television, becoming well known in Hawke’s Bay. I then spent 18 years as an elected Councillor in HB local government, both city and regional. However, my life experience also includes a year teaching in Tonga for VSA, working for Watties, truck driving, cellar door work and event/venue management. Yes, I feel I’ve studied at the University of life. I’m the father of three boys and live in Napier with my wife, Lynda. My interests include wine appreciation, travel, gardening and painting – that’s art not house. In 2012 I completed the year-long Certificate in Celebrant Studies at the Auckland Celebrant School. I sensed a need to serve in this area and help couples and families develop memorable life celebrations for both happy and sad occasions. These times are often stressful and I have the ability to support and gently guide people through these times. Since 2013 I have worked as an independant civil celebrant creating and leading very personalised ceremonies, both funerals and weddings. My focus is on providing “wrap around” support and advice for families or couples. I spend time to really get to know my clients and to write a ceremony that reflects what they want and who they are. I am not only a trained and qualified celebrant, but am also a member of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand, and as such abide by their Code of Conduct and strive to maintain high ethical standards.

Last week, the Napier War Memorial Center was packed for the farewell of a man well known in the Hawke’s Bay community. ...
14/08/2025

Last week, the Napier War Memorial Center was packed for the farewell of a man well known in the Hawke’s Bay community. Ross Duncan lived a full life, rich in experiences and the love of his family, generous with his time, and deeply connected to both nature and the community. A social worker for the YMCA, a passionate supporter of community causes, a jet boater, an orchardist and more importantly, a loving husband, Dad, granddad and friend.
Ross Duncan, you’ve left an amazing legacy. Rest in peace. It was a privilege to lead your Memorial Service.

Kelvin, Kel or Gumpy to his grandchildren was given a wonderful farewell at East Pier recently. What a beautiful family...
14/08/2025

Kelvin, Kel or Gumpy to his grandchildren was given a wonderful farewell at East Pier recently. What a beautiful family, and such a tribute to see so many of his friends attend his Memorial. Kel worked for over 50 years as an orderly at the hospital. His sense of humour was his ‘super power’. You will be missed Kelvin Loveridge. Rest in peace.

On Thursday, family and friends farewelled Karen Stockill at the Napier War Memorial Center. It was a colourful send off...
03/08/2025

On Thursday, family and friends farewelled Karen Stockill at the Napier War Memorial Center. It was a colourful send off, full of love and beautiful heartfelt tributes. Karen was an amazing woman. It was such a privilege to be asked by her to be celebrant at the Celebration of her Life.

We farewelled this beautiful lady today at the Taradale Town Hall. Lynne Gibson, taken from us far too soon. 10 years ag...
11/07/2025

We farewelled this beautiful lady today at the Taradale Town Hall. Lynne Gibson, taken from us far too soon. 10 years ago it was my privilege to lead the service for her husband Peter in the same hall.
Lynne was a very special Mum to her daughter Hayley, and a good colleague and friend to so many. Rest in peace Lynne.

Recently a good friend Ken asked me to be the celebrant at his funeral. He knew he didn’t have long to live, so we had t...
30/06/2025

Recently a good friend Ken asked me to be the celebrant at his funeral. He knew he didn’t have long to live, so we had the special opportunity to talk about what he wanted for his farewell. One thing he wanted was for my dog to be involved. Jay is a golden retriever who’s also a St John Theraphy pet. She and Ken were great mates. So, a couple of weeks ago, Jay attended her first funeral and was amazing, so well behaved and giving comfort to Ken’s family especially his granddaughter. Jay misses Ken and won’t walk past his villa here at Summerset Palms without visiting Ken’s wife Kathy.

Haven’t posted for a while. My wife and I have been overseas a bit, but have still been kept busy with weddings and fune...
30/06/2025

Haven’t posted for a while. My wife and I have been overseas a bit, but have still been kept busy with weddings and funerals creating special and memorable ceremonies. I’ve met and got to know some lovely couples. Here are just a few I’ve had the pleasure to marry.

It was a wonderful gathering, many from the travel industry, who came to the Havelock North Function Centre to farewell ...
20/07/2024

It was a wonderful gathering, many from the travel industry, who came to the Havelock North Function Centre to farewell Bill Sheppard. Bill spent most of his life in travel, 37 years with Best Travel in Hastings. He and his wife Christine helped so many people here in the Bay to fulfil their holiday dreams. Bill was a great Dad to his two boys, Andrew and Alister, and was a very well respected member of our community. He will be sadly missed. It was a privilege to his celebrant today.
Rest in peace Bil

We gave our mate Guy an incredible send off. Lovely heartfelt tributes, amazing music and wonderful photos. Plus, his so...
17/07/2024

We gave our mate Guy an incredible send off. Lovely heartfelt tributes, amazing music and wonderful photos. Plus, his son had made his Dad’s casket - a unique art piece crafted with such love. Rest in peace Guy. We’ll miss you on the golf course.

On Tuesday I’m going to lead a very musical celebration of the life of my good friend Guy Whitchelo who passed away a we...
21/04/2024

On Tuesday I’m going to lead a very musical celebration of the life of my good friend Guy Whitchelo who passed away a week ago after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. We planned his own farewell together and he wanted lots of music. We were both in the 1995 production of “Les Miserable” and we’ve been good mates since. Played many a game of golf together, enjoyed parties, etc. He lived a full life and had many friends. He will be sadly missed.
The Celebration of Guy’s Life
2pm Tuesday 23 April 2024
Napier War Memorial Centre

Despite covid, the worst summer HB has had for many years, and then the terrible devestation of the cyclone, there were ...
14/05/2023

Despite covid, the worst summer HB has had for many years, and then the terrible devestation of the cyclone, there were some joyous celebrations.

However, my heart goes out to all those still struggling with the clean up from Gabrielle. It will take many years to recover from this disaster.

It was with great pleasure that I was asked to be the celebrant for a number of weddings over the past six months. I love this role, writing a very personal ceremony and helping them create a truly memorable and stress free day. The weather was kind to all of my couples, and these photos look back on their special and fun day of celebration.
May you all have a long and happy life together….and thank you for asking me to be your celebrant 😊
I’m still taking bookings for next season and would love to hear from you.

Address

Villa 136 Summerset Palms 136 Eriksen Road
Napier
4110

Telephone

027 247 9979

Website

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If you are looking for a celebrant who will help you create a celebration for one of life’s milestone events, then I could be the person to assist you. Whether it’s your “Big Day” – your wedding, or a sad day – the funeral for a loved one, I will work closely with you to create a celebration that really acknowleges and respects the occasion, that is memorable. I am a Hawke’s Bay based Independent Civil Celebrant, however travel outside the region can be discussed. My background has very much been one of community involvement. I was a successful talkback host and award-winning broadcaster for 25 years both in radio and television, becoming well known in Hawke’s Bay. I then spent 18 years as an elected Councillor in HB local government, both city and regional. However, my life experience also includes a year teaching in Tonga for VSA, working for Watties, truck driving, cellar door work and event/venue management. Yes, I feel I’ve studied at the University of life. I’m the father of three boys and live in Napier with my wife, Lynda. My interests include wine appreciation, travel, gardening and painting – that’s art not house. In 2012 I completed the year-long Certificate in Celebrant Studies at the Auckland Celebrant School. I sensed a need to serve in this area and help couples and families develop memorable life celebrations for both happy and sad occasions. These times are often stressful and I have the ability to support and gently guide people through these times. Since 2013 I have worked as an independant civil celebrant creating and leading very personalised ceremonies, both funerals and weddings. My focus is on providing “wrap around” support and advice for families or couples. I spend time to really get to know my clients and to write a ceremony that reflects what they want and who they are. I am not only a trained and qualified celebrant, but am also a member of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand, and as such abide by their Code of Conduct and strive to maintain high ethical standards.