How long have you been a celebrant?
I was ordained as a Spiritual Church Minister on the 15th February 2015 and through that role became a celebrant in November 2017.
Why did you become a celebrant?
I had wanted to be a celebrant for a long time but couldn’t get in due to the restrictions at the time. I was so happy to be given the chance through my role as minister in the church.
What involvement do you have or had with CANZ at a branch or national level?
I couldn’t give a lot of time to CANZ for many years as I was the Registrar (administrator) for the Waikato JP Assn, looking after 400+ Justices of the Peace. That took up a lot of my energy. Since I have passed that role on I am trying to be more engaged with CANZ and have taken on the role – and been a little more active in – as Branch contact person. CANZ has been incredibly supportive and really make that role so easy by their background support.
What ceremonies do you perform?
I get a lot of satisfaction from performing funerals. I find that we can really make a difference to a family and their stages of grieving and trying to do the right thing, by the manner in which we conduct the family meetings. Our body language, the tone of our voices, trying to bring a little bit of lightness to what is usually a very sad event can be critical. A listening ear is the most effective tool we can use until our advice and direction is needed.
What do you enjoy about being a celebrant?
Meeting people, being conscious that you are the person who is going to make a difference to their ceremony – whatever that ceremony will be. Learning about the different ways that people that people react, what they expect, learning that I can be what the need me to be.
What are some of the hardest parts of being a celebrant?
Saying names correctly. I recently performed a ceremony and thought I would catch up with the family on the day to make sure I was pronouncing their name correctly. I assumed I would have time to talk to them – I didn’t have time – hence I spoke their name wrong. I will never do that again!
What was the most memorable ceremony you have performed?
A funeral for a South African lady who had only been living in NZ for 12 months with her Kiwi partner. The service was held in a racing stable due to her absolute love of horses. The horses were all around, noisy and kicking up a ruckus until the service started and they all went quiet. I was standing in front of a horse box and the racing horse called Charlie helped me the whole way through the ceremony. His head on my shoulder, then down my back, played with my skirt, tried to eat my folder, nuzzled my hair – he also tried to eat the casket spray which had to be placed on the ground. Nobody noticed that it was raining. I will never forget the energy around the congregation and the beautiful animals who attended.
What would be your typical day as celebrant?
I am retired so each is very different. I am involved with quite a few groups so there is always something that needs doing.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
Try to find another celebrant who will talk to you openly and honestly and share their experiences and their resources where appropriate. If they are really open you should be able to send a service you have written to them and receive good honest and useful feedback.
Any ‘mistakes’ you make should be taken as a learning – don’t ever do that particular action again. Taken measures to ensure it doesn’t happen a second time.
How do you like to relax?
I have to say I do love sitting watching TV and knitting.
