By Libby Carson
It’s hard to believe that spring is almost here. After what has felt like a particularly long winter and with a flu virus that has certainly made itself known across the country, the promise of longer days, warmer weather and the first signs of spring are very welcome; and, for many celebrants, it also means the start of another busy season is just around the corner.
There was certainly plenty of energy and enthusiasm at our recent CANZ AGM, which was so ably led by our Chair, Anna Flanagan. Anna ran a fabulous meeting, and it was wonderful to see our CANZ community so engaged, interested and willing to be part of the conversations about our organisation and where we are heading.
The AGM also marked some changes around the National Executive table. We are delighted to welcome Ayyam O’Brien, Christine Balle and Debbie Shaw to NE. Each brings their own experience, ideas and perspective, and I know we are all looking forward to working together and building on the work already underway.
Of course, with welcomes also come farewells, and at the AGM we farewelled Brenda Chapman from the National Executive.
Brenda has made a significant impact, not only during her time on NE, but right across CANZ. She has given an enormous amount of her time, energy, knowledge and commitment to our organisation and its members, and her contribution has been felt in so many different areas. Brenda, thank you for everything you have brought to CANZ and for the difference you have made. You leave a wonderful legacy, and I know I speak for many when I say how much your contribution has been appreciated.
And now, spring beckons!
For those of us working in weddings, registry ceremonies, and civil unions, the diary starts to look considerably busier from here. Spring signals the beginning of what can be a wonderfully busy few months, and before we know it, we’ll be right in the thick of “the season”.
Of course, the work of celebrancy extends well beyond the wedding season. Every day, our members are supporting families through funerals and memorials and helping people mark so many other significant moments in their lives. Whatever area of celebrancy we work in, it remains a real privilege to be invited into those moments and trusted to help people tell their stories, celebrate, remember and acknowledge what matters most.
With that in mind, there is one important piece of housekeeping to have on your radar. Celebrant renewals are coming up, and this year the renewal process has been brought forward slightly in the calendar. This is a deliberate move to get renewals completed before we head into the busiest part of the celebrant season, when we know diaries are full and there are a hundred other things competing for our attention.
So please keep a close eye on your inbox and BDM communications over the coming weeks.
We don’t want anyone to miss those communications amongst everything else that starts landing in the inbox at this time of year.
There is plenty happening across CANZ, both nationally and within our branches, and one of the things I took away from our AGM was just how much our members care about this organisation, our profession, and each other. It was heartening to see that level of engagement and enthusiasm, and a lovely reminder of the strength of the celebrant community we continue to build together.
So, as we leave winter behind, I hope you have a wonderful start to spring and, for those heading into a busy wedding season, that the months ahead bring plenty of fabulous ceremonies, lovely couples, great venues and just enough sunshine on the days you need it!
And because spring in Aotearoa also brings its fair share of pollen, wind and four-seasons-in-one-day weather, remember to pack everything you need, including whatever gets you through the hay fever that besets so many of us!
Most importantly, as the diaries get fuller and life gets busier, make sure you find a little time for yourself along the way. Take a moment between the ceremonies, meetings, emails, rehearsals and everything else that fills our days to enjoy the longer evenings, soak up a little sunshine and, quite literally, stop and smell the freesias.
Here’s to a wonderful spring, wherever your celebrant work takes you.
