Ko wai mātou | About Us
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
While this proverb mentions “food baskets” (rourou), it is rarely just about literal food. In the context of a special day, gathering, or milestone, it represents Community & Togetherness – acknowledging that the celebration is made special because everyone brought their energy, love, and presence, Shared Joy – the idea that we are stronger, happier, and more fulfilled when we come together to mark significant moments and Gratitude – thanking those who contributed to making the day happen.
Being a member means you're never doing this alone
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been a celebrant for years, we’ve got your back.
You'll be visible
Your profile sits in New Zealand’s most trusted celebrant directory. When someone’s looking for a celebrant, you want to be where they’re searching.
You'll be supported
Connect with 750+ celebrants across Aotearoa New Zealand. Share ideas, get honest feedback, and grow alongside people who genuinely understand what you do.
You'll be covered
Public liability insurance is included with your membership. as your practice grows, having that cover in place means you can focus on the ceremony, not the ‘what ifs’.
The people who lead Celebrants Aotearoa New Zealand
We started in 1999 with a simple belief; that celebrancy deserves to be recognised as a proper profession. More than 25 years later we represent over 750+ celebrants from Northland to Southland, across every type of ceremony you can imagine.
Our 12 branches across New Zealand offer local events and networking opportunities, so you can meet other celebrants and share ideas and practice too.
We offer a voice and advocacy specifically to the Department of Internal Affairs, Births, Deaths and Marriages, and to the Funeral Sector.
We’re not a stuffy institution. We’re a working community of people who love what they do and want to see celebrancy thrive in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Anna Flanagan (she/her)
Anna leads the Celebrants Aotearoa New Zealand National Executive, bringing leadership and direction to the organisation. Since becoming President in August 2025, she has overseen a range of portfolios, including marketing and communications, BDM, registry ceremonies, complaints and strategic direction.
Libby Carson
Libby brings her experience in celebrancy and her work with the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) to the National Executive. As Co-Finance lead and Vice President, she also supports members across the lower North Island, including Wellington, Wairarapa, Taranaki, Manawatū and Whanganui.
Dr Iwi Te Whau
Iwi leads Te Reo Māori Rōpū and is fluent in te reo Māori, bringing a strong focus on language and cultural connection to the National Executive. He is also the liaison for the Central region, supporting members across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, East Coast and Hawke’s Bay.
Christine Balle
Christine is a full-time celebrant who brings her professional experience to the National Executive through the VCANZ portfolio. She also supports members across the Auckland and Northland branches, helping maintain strong connections between local celebrants and the national team.
Ayyam O'Brien
Based in Christchurch, Ayyam brings her experience in education to the National Executive, where she oversees the OPD and Education portfolio. She is also a key connection for the Canterbury branch, supporting communication between local members and the National Executive.
Debbie Shaw
Based in Cromwell, Debbie is passionate about keeping celebrants connected across Aotearoa. She oversees the Branch Connectivity portfolio and is the National Executive liaison for the Southern branch.