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.

Over the past few months I've had the privilage of creating and leading very special farewells for some lovely people, s...
10/04/2026

Over the past few months I've had the privilage of creating and leading very special farewells for some lovely people, some of them good friends. There was Ian who was a stalwart of the Napier Operatic Society; Doug who I also knew through the Operatic Society but was also a long serving member of the Fire Service; Laurie who was one of the original residents at Summerset Palms where Lynda and I have a villa. Laurie and his good mate Ken (whose funeral I also led) ran the bar - a really important task. Elizabeth who lived in one of the serviced apartments; then dear Margaret and Janis, and more recently Linda whom Jay (my Golden Retriever therapy dog) visited every week.
All very special people, and I hope that they approved of the services I wrote for them - each one was unique, just like them.

This wonderful couple came from Brisbane, and it was a real pleasure to work with them to create such a beautiful weddin...
10/04/2026

This wonderful couple came from Brisbane, and it was a real pleasure to work with them to create such a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Mission Estate. A lovely venue and great staff. Congratulations Kieran and Celeste.

I'm currently taking bookings for weddings from late August into next year. Don't leave it until the last minute.

Great to see couples really planning ahead and booking in their celebrant rather than leaving it to the last moment.My b...
29/12/2025

Great to see couples really planning ahead and booking in their celebrant rather than leaving it to the last moment.
My booking go right into October next year 2026.
Had the pleasure of being the celebrant to some lovely couples this year. The last one just before Christmas was on the beach near Cape Kidnappers. Such a stunning day and a memorable ceremony. Just what they wanted. Casual and relaxed.
They wrote:
“Hi Dave. Thank you for making our day very special. It was perfect and everything you did was spot on and we appreciate you.
Take care
Regards
Dean and Chantel

Some of you may remember that I have a Golden Retriever called Jay who is a St John Pet Therapy dog. For over a year now...
06/12/2025

Some of you may remember that I have a Golden Retriever called Jay who is a St John Pet Therapy dog. For over a year now, every Wednesday, we have visited a lady in the Summerset Palms Care Centre.
Last Sunday she passed away peacefully two days after her 95th birthday. She’d asked me to be her celebrant, so with her daughter and son, Robyn and Hal, we created a wonderful farewell. Yesterday, family and friends from here in New Zealandand overseas came together in the Beth Shan to celebrate her amazing life. Beautiful tributes and music, a fitting farewell for a wonderful woman.
Rest in peace Margaret Shaw, you are going to be missed. Jay and I will miss our Wednesday visits to you..and the odd glass of Chardonnay we shared.

Yesterday at East Pier we celebrated the life of a much loved and respected surfer and family man Dave Baxter. The music...
26/09/2025

Yesterday at East Pier we celebrated the life of a much loved and respected surfer and family man Dave Baxter. The music, tributes and photos really reflected Baccy’s love of the ocean, and to conclude our memorial service with the “Surfers Farewell” was perfect.
Dave will be always remembered, he’s simply caught another wave - one beyond our sight, but still part of the same ocean we all share.

Travelled to Mahia yesterday for a wedding.A stunning day for a wonderful gathering of family and friends to witness Pie...
21/09/2025

Travelled to Mahia yesterday for a wedding.
A stunning day for a wonderful gathering of family and friends to witness Pierre and Vaiuta marry. Congratulations to you both and have a long and happy life together.

My Golden Retriever "Jay" is a member of the HB St John Pet Therapy Team. She's 8 years old and such a gentle friendly d...
21/09/2025

My Golden Retriever "Jay" is a member of the HB St John Pet Therapy Team. She's 8 years old and such a gentle friendly dog. She loves meeting people both old and young. By request, she attended a funeral I conducted and was such a comfort to one of the granddaughters. She hasn't attended a wedding yet.
However, three times a week, Jay and I visit a local care and dimensia facility, and it is a real treat to see the smiles on the faces of those we visit. Jay makes their day. She's the friend of everyone in the village, even the postie

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.

Address

Villa 136 Summerset Palms 136 Eriksen Road
Napier
4110

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