By Kineta Knight Booker
Celebrants Aotearoa (CANZ) has been reaffirmed in its vital role in New Zealand’s celebrancy landscape, with the recent confirmation from the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages that its members will continue to deliver registry ceremonies across the country.
CANZ has been delivering registry ceremonies since July 2019 and will continue to provide experienced, professional celebrants for registry marriages and civil unions into the future.
Celebrants Aotearoa President Anna Flanagan says this decision shows strong confidence in CANZ, its standards and the calibre of its members.
“We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Births, Deaths and Marriages. This arrangement reflects the trust placed in our celebrants to deliver meaningful, professional and inclusive ceremonies for couples choosing a registry option.”
“Registry ceremonies are often a simple and less complicated way for couples to get married or enter into a civil union, and our celebrants ensure that moment is treated with the care, dignity and warmth it deserves – no matter how simple or streamlined the ceremony may be,” Anna says.
This arrangement ensures that validated CANZ members will continue to officiate registry ceremonies nationwide, supporting couples through one of life’s most significant milestones.
Registrar-General Russell Burnard says the continuation of the partnership provides consistency and quality for New Zealanders.
“We are pleased to continue working with Celebrants Aotearoa to deliver registry ceremonies throughout New Zealand. Their members bring professionalism, experience and a deep understanding of ceremony to this important service.”
“This is a valuable relationship for my office and the Celebrants Aotearoa team does a great job at managing this,” Russell says.
“The partnership has worked well and continues to support high‑quality, accessible registry ceremonies,” he says.
Celebrants Aotearoa is the only professional association for celebrants in New Zealand, supporting its members through ongoing education, professional development, and a strong code of ethics.
CANZ remains committed to raising standards and supporting celebrants in delivering exceptional ceremonies of all kinds.
Anna says, “This partnership is not just about continuity – it’s about continuing to elevate the celebrancy profession in Aotearoa and ensuring every couple has access to a meaningful ceremony experience, regardless of the format they choose.”
