Māori Celebrant Services

21/05/2026

Iwi Te Whau

Marriage (Fees) Amendment Regulations 2026

We are pleased to share an update following the outcome of the marriage and civil union fees review.

From 18 June 2026, the fee payable to celebrants for delivering a Registry Ceremony will increase to $175. While this isn’t the level we advocated for, it does represent a 94.4% increase from the current fee and is an important step forward in recognising the professionalism, time, administration and responsibility involved in Registry Ceremonies.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this advocacy work, particularly Mel Stuart, Rachel Clark, Brenda Chapman and Sheryl Mungall, along with others who shared their experience and expertise throughout the process.

There are also wider fee changes across the marriage and celebrant space, with further detail to be shared directly by Registrar-General Russell Burnard through Ngātahi in the coming days.

Advocacy often takes time, but this is a positive and meaningful step forward.

Anna Flanagan
President, Celebrants Aotearoa

21/05/2026

Marriage (Fees) Amendment Regulations 2026

We are pleased to share an update following the outcome of the marriage and civil union fees review.

From 18 June 2026, the fee payable to celebrants for delivering a Registry Ceremony will increase to $175. While this isn’t the level we advocated for, it does represent a 94.4% increase from the current fee and is an important step forward in recognising the professionalism, time, administration and responsibility involved in Registry Ceremonies.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this advocacy work, particularly Mel Stuart, Rachel Clark, Brenda Chapman and Sheryl Mungall, along with others who shared their experience and expertise throughout the process.

There are also wider fee changes across the marriage and celebrant space, with further detail to be shared directly by Registrar-General Russell Burnard through Ngātahi in the coming days.

Advocacy often takes time, but this is a positive and meaningful step forward.

Anna Flanagan
President, Celebrants Aotearoa

08/03/2026

| Many tears were shed, and hugs and kisses shared, as the flight landed at Auckland International Airport.

Read more ⬇

08/03/2026

Specialist in funerals and weddings with a cultural lens. Two more weddings in March then a break until June. Although I do keep atleast two days a week to support people navigate their family funeral services alongside the various funeral homes. So thankful.

15/02/2026

● 5 years of Celebrations
● 5 years of Service
● 101 Deliveries
● Funerals & Weddings

Dr Iwi Te Whau Jr
Lives in Rotorua, able to travel Aotearoa
Services can be done in Te Reo Māori, English and a (Little bit of Te Reo Kuki Airani)

"Love this mahi"
"LOVE THE PEOPLE"
www.aratika.org.nz

05/01/2026

Love this photo of us graduates from The Celebrant School. If you are looking at upskiling or wanting to start a career in Celebrants mahi. Then get in touch with our amazing facilitators and staff from this kura, very welcoming and caring team eager to advance your career choices as a celebrant.

After your training then join the National Celebrants Aotearoa New Zealand Association to get some continued support in your mahi.

Mauri ora

Nā Dr Iwi Te Whau Jr JP PhD
Independent Celebrant

For bookings visit my website
Māori Celebrant Services
www.aratika.org.nz
Or email [email protected]

05/01/2026

Kia ora e te whānau
I am so excited to be invited by our Taranaki branch of Celebrants to deliver my 3rd workshop on Cultural Safety Practices (Te Ao Māori is the baseline but its an open dialogue and process for any cultrual group you work with.)

Register here
https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?e=__test_email__&u=e46323e34cf8e688bd4e3eaf0&id=fc991e070e

Thank you to
Celebrants Aotearoa New Zealand
Ara Tika Consultant's Ltd
And our Taranaki branch committee.

Event details:
Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026
Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm
Where: Hollard Gardens - 1686 Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga, Taranaki
Cost:

CANZ members: Free event
Non-members: $20.00 per person

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
Please bring along a plate for our shared lunch, a pad and pen.

What to expect:
9:00am | Welcome/Karakia
9:30am | Coffee, tea and biscuits
10:00am | CANZ - Speed intro with a difference
12:00pm | Shared lunch
1:00pm | Cultural presentation - Dr Iwi Te Whau
3:00pm | Closing

I also have prizes to giveaway
The first 5 people who register for the workshop will automatically get a gift on arrival. And an extra 5 spot prizes to give away on the day.

If you need help navigating the registration process please contact our CANZ administration team or
Your Taranaki Branch Committee - Jenni Judd, Donna Yeats and Wendy RayWend Eynon

20/10/2025

PĀNUI – KAPA HAKA INVITE:

Ngā Uri ki Tai o Rehua – South West Sydney

Kia ora whānau,

We’re putting the call out to anyone keen to learn Kapa Haka or those already experienced who’d like to tautoko our rōpū Ngā Uri ki Tai o Rehua based here in South West Sydney.

Our first muster was held last weekend, and we’re now looking to strengthen our kapa — especially with more Tāne and Wāhine performers.

No experience or strong Te Reo Māori skills are required — just bring your enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to learn!

Next Practice Weekend: Saturday 25 October: 1:00pm – 6:00pm Hammondville Anglican Church, Cnr Walder Rd & Stewart Ave, Hammondville (Liverpool)

Sunday 26 October: 9:00am – 2:30pm
Hinchinbrook, Liverpool – (Private message me on Facebook for the address)

Contact: Sydney 0414 196 306
Tuck Gardiner – I can help coordinate your arrival to our practice venue.

Haere mai, nau mai — come be part of our growing kapa and connect with our whānau through waiata, haka, and wairua Māori.

13/10/2025

He mihi tēnei ki a tātou katoa. Humbled, blessed and thankful to represent our Iwi, hapu, whānau and hāpori at the teepu. As we wait for the final results on Friday I really needed to say thank you.

I really liked a quote I seen by Jack David Grace " If your not at the table, then your on the menu" a strong message

The quote to me speaks to the importance of being actively involved in decision-making processes to ensure your interests and those of the community you represent are heard and protected.

As a councilor, our seat at the table means you have a voice in shaping the future of our community. It's an exciting and empowering role because it allows you to advocate for the needs and desires of the people you represent. Our presence at the table means you’re there to guide discussions, offer insights, and collaborate with others to build a better future.

By being actively engaged, you ensure that our community isn't merely a subject of decisions made by others, but rather a participant in creating solutions that reflect its unique character and needs. Our involvement helps prevent your community’s concerns from being overlooked or underserved.

This quote is a powerful reminder of the value of our participation and leadership. Our efforts ensure that the community’s voice is heard, that it has influence, and that it can effectively partake in shaping its own destiny. Through our dedication, as councilors is a crucial role in making sure our community thrives and grows in a way that aligns with its values and aspirations. Its time to make a meaningful difference.

Mauri ora

Nā Cr, Dr, Pr Iwi Te Whau Jr, PhD