Christine Balle, Auckland
“Holding space is my happy place.”
I became a celebrant in 2022 following a change of direction during Covid. It was something I had always wanted to do, and I only wish I had taken the step sooner. My friends, family and a funeral director encouraged me after hearing me speak at a funeral.
I love helping people share the power of their personal stories, whether they are stories of love, life or loss.
Joining the National Executive is an opportunity for me to help CANZ remain active, vibrant and growing. I am looking forward to building personal and professional connections, supporting VCANZ and engaging with CANZ members across the motu.
I am also currently working towards completing my celebrancy diploma.
Outside celebrancy, I love the beach and the mountains, tackling an annual Great Walk, and enjoying house and garden tours with friends.
I live in Pukekohe and have four adult children, all of whom live overseas, so travel is less of a luxury and more of a necessity!
Ayyam O’Brien, Canterbury
Kia ora tātou and merhaba!
My name is Ayyam O’Brien. I live in Rolleston and help couples celebrate their marriages throughout Christchurch and Selwyn.
I have been married to my soulmate for almost 14 years, and we have two beautiful children. When I am not officiating weddings, I work as a technology teacher for Years 7 and 8.
I believe in embracing life and making the most of every opportunity. I love spending time with my family, crocheting, dancing, running, reading and being around like-minded people.
Connecting with others and serving my community are two of my greatest passions. Celebrancy gives me the opportunity to form meaningful connections and spread the love bug! Every wedding is different, and that is one of the things I enjoy most.
My favourite parts are often the quiet moments: spotting a couple looking at each other with admiration or seeing the love and connection on the faces of their guests. Even recalling those moments gives me goosebumps.
Joining the National Executive whānau is an opportunity to broaden my knowledge and, most importantly, contribute my strengths in building rapport, creating connections and bringing people together.
Photo credit: White Chiffon
Debbie Shaw, Central Otago
I’m Debbie Shaw, a celebrant happily based in the place I have always called Paradise: Cromwell, the beating heart of Central Otago.
I had dreamed of becoming a celebrant for years before I finally stopped daydreaming and looked into it. My husband, ever the practical one, said, “People don’t get married anymore. Why would you want to be a celebrant?”
Well, fast-forward a little, and the first ceremonies I led were funerals for my mum and then my father-in-law. As strange as it might sound, the work simply felt right. It was meaningful, grounding and deeply human.
A dear friend of mine, Leigh-Ann, had recently discovered her calling as a funeral director when cancer took her suddenly at just 51. Part of this journey is for her, too. Her motto was simple: “Don’t overthink it. Just do it.” She followed her dreams, and her example encouraged me to follow mine.
When I saw the National Executive was looking for new members, my eyes lit up. No one south of Christchurch? Well, hello!
I did have a moment of wondering whether I should apply when I had only been conducting weddings for about a year. Then I reminded myself that I have spent 37 years in the same community and bring strong administration skills, plenty of life experience and no conflicting commitments. Why not put my hand up?
For me, joining the National Executive is about both giving and receiving. I would love to support celebrants across Otago and Southland, particularly new CANZ members. I wish I had known earlier about all the resources available because they would have saved me more than a few nervous cups of tea!
I am so glad I attended the CANZ conference, even as a newcomer. I met incredible people who were inspiring, welcoming and just the right amount of curious.
Then there are my wee boys, my three grandsons, who keep me young as I inch towards retirement. Life with them is loud and joyful, and it often involves driving my little orange Mini with the Rolling Stones playing at full volume.
Life is for living, laughing, loving and occasionally singing badly to classic rock.
