Richard Tankersley

Kia ora koutou, ko Richard ahau, no Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe me Waitaha ōku iwi. I am a 62 year old man living in central Wellington. 

Ritual and ceremony have played a major role in my life in a range of contexts – Iwi Māori, Scouting, church, and education being some examples. For over 40 years I have served as a student and leader of ceremony and ritual in community settings, both within and outside of a church. I am not currently involved in an organised religion, and I continue to be available to serve as a celebrant and ritual maker for the community, working within the spiritual, cultural, family and personal frameworks of the people I work with.

Alongside my history in ceremony and ritual, I bring to my celebrant role a diverse work and life experience in different cultures: in health and social services, in administration, event management, theatre and community development, including within (but in no way limited to) iwi, Māori and LGBTI communities. I speak Te Reo Māori to an intermediate conversational level and I am well-versed in using this in ceremonial contexts. I’m an avid participant in personal development work, mainly in groups of men where I use ritual and facilitative leadership.

I value social justice and diversity in my life; people who choose to engage me as their celebrant will appreciate my flexible approach that aims to create the best ceremony appropriate to the situation and the people I’m working with. In addition to in-service training courses within the church context, I have completed the Certificate in Celebrant Studies from the Celebrant School in Auckland. I am well trained to serve as a celebrant and ritual maker for a wide range of ceremonies in many different situations, and I have substantial experience in my work.

While I am based in Wellington, I will consider requests to be a FIFO (Fly In, Fly Out) Celebrant, travelling to offer ceremonies that meet your needs. Any additional costs, for example, any travel or accommodation, are born by you. This is not a cheap option, however the costs are real and actual and even with these, my charges will be competitive with some of the celebrants operating from within your area.

I am more than happy to be the celebrant for marriages or civil unions (regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation) for couples travelling to New Zealand for their big day. I am well networked and am able to help you with the logistics of getting here, getting hitched and getting back to party with your friends and families.

I look forward to working with you to make your next ceremony as special as it can be.

Mauriora ki a koutou – wishing you health and wellbeing. Richard