28/07/2025
Congratulations to my beautiful friends, Kati and Tariu, on their marriage in October 2024.
With 160 guests in attendanceāincluding beloved family from New Zealand, Australia, and the Cook Islandsāit was a true celebration of multicultural Cook Island MÄori whÄnau coming together as one.
Kati surprised her new husband with a Cook Island dance. It was captivating.
Together, Kati and Tariu, now a blended family with 10 children, are each otherās rocks. Their partnership is built on unconditional love and unwavering support through all of lifeās challenges.
I deeply admire these two.
Kati has been one of my best friends since I was thirteen, and we share a special bond as NZ MÄori relativesādescendants of the same great-grandfather who once lived on the very land where she was married, and where I had the honour of legalising their union.
It was a privilege to help make more family history on such meaningful land near Christchurch.
Wishing you a lifetime of joy, fulfilment, health and love.
Lana Xo