Theresa Rorason-Hope

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou,

Ko Tainui tōku waka,
Ko Maungatautari tōku maunga,
Ko Rangitīkei tōku awa,
Ko Ngāti Raukawa tōku iwi,
Ko Tokorangi tōku marae,
Nō Rotorua ahau,
Ko Theresa Rorason-Hope tōku ingoa.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

Kia ora e te whānau, Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, and warm Pacific greetings,

Ko Theresa Rorason-Hope tōku ingoa, and I’m proud to call Pōkeno home — right on the southern boundary of Tāmaki Makaurau. I was born and raised in the humble community of Ōwhata in Rotorua, and I whakapapa to Ngāti Raukawa.

I’m the middle child with two brothers and a proud aunty to four gorgeous nieces and nephews down in Wellington. Earlier this year, I married my best friend, Paul Hope and after five years of marrying other couples, I finally got my turn!

I’m a proud Māori, Samoan, and Tongan woman, and I love working with couples from all cultures, faiths, and backgrounds. Connection, culture, and whakawhanaungatanga are at the heart of everything I do. Whether your ceremony includes karakia, a few words in Te Reo Māori, or elements that honour your whakapapa or aiga, I’ll make sure it reflects who you are and what matters most to you.

Becoming a celebrant in 2020 was never part of my plan lol. It began when I had the privilege of officiating my best friend Espie’s surprise wedding. From that moment, I knew I’d found something truly special. Since then, I’ve had the joy of marrying many couples from all walks of life, each with their own beautiful story to tell.

Outside of weddings, I’ve spent over 15 years working across education, government, and community sectors supporting rangatahi and whānau, and for the past year, helping communities address family harm in Tāmaki Makaurau. My mahi has always been about serving others, uplifting people, and building strong connections.

As your celebrant, my role is to walk alongside you, to listen, guide, and create a ceremony that feels authentically you. I’ll make sure everything flows smoothly so that you can relax, be present, and simply enjoy one of the most meaningful days of your lives.

It would be my absolute honour to stand with you both and officiate your wedding day.

Please feel free to get in touch for a kōrero — I’d love to whakawhanaungatanga (connect).

Ngā mihi nui,

Theresa