My journey to becoming a celebrant

I’ve been a celebrant for several years now, and during that time, I’ve had the privilege of guiding people through some of the most important moments of their lives. It wasn’t a path I initially expected, but looking back, it’s been a journey filled with purpose and connection.

Why did you become a celebrant?

I've struggled to answer this - the truth is that I saw a car with a number plate something like CLBRNT and in a lightbulb moment, I knew that was what I wanted/needed to do - I went to the nearest cafe, Googled how to become a celebrant, followed the application procedure, which is quite involved and requires lots of testimonials, a police check, an interview and test. Then I enrolled in celebrant school - and gosh, that was a lot of work, weekend workshops in Auckland and Wellington and many assignments in between - an expensive investment, but I can't imagine having started working as a celebrant without it (www.celebrant.school.nz). And I met a wonderful bunch of people and quickly created a network of celebrant connections.

When I told my family I was going to be a celebrant, they laughed and when I told my friends they said it was the perfect role for me, and it is. I'd say it was a calling, but that sounds a bit deep, and I'm not that person! Then I thought that if I'm going to be a celebrant, I want to be involved and after being nominated I served on the national executive of Celebrants Aotearoa for six years and was its national president for two years.

What do you enjoy about being a celebrant?

Everything! I feel that the threads of my professional careers have come together in my celebrant role. I enjoy the diversity of the work; being with people and helping them at significant and transformational times of their lives; never knowing what a week will bring; the ongoing incredible learning opportunities, especially around end of life and grief. The trust people give me - it's an absolute privilege to be in a celebrant role. Plus I like to be able to dress up (!)

What are some of the hardest parts of being a celebrant?

Never knowing what a week will bring, which often leads to tight deadlines and expectations, although I enjoy the challenge of this too.

Children’s grief is hard – especially when they’re sobbing in the front row of a funeral service. I’m often asked how I cope with grief and trauma – while I’m totally empathetic to loss and tragedy, it's not mine, although occasionally when I’m working with friends or family it is close and that’s where my professional training is so incredibly helpful. But, if it gets too tough, I have a wonderful supervisor. And being able to do this is enormously satisfying.

What do you enjoy outside of being a celebrant?

Family is the most important part of my world, but they’re spread around the globe, so while being aware of my carbon footprint, I love to travel to see them and explore wild and remote areas on the way.

Reading is a big part of my life and I'm very eclectic, exploring all sorts of stuff. I do love a good page-turning novel, and also read a lot of non-fiction; biographies are favourites, probably because I'm nosey and curious about people's lives.

And on that – I’m a fan of independent bookstores - I go into one and just wish I could imbibe all the knowledge and narrative, just by standing there. Being a celebrant has allowed me to collect a library of relevant books. And, I've been known to buy an additional suitcase just to bring those book purchases home.

I hike - Tongariro National Park and the Kaimanawas are favourite areas to explore and I try to walk every day..

Pre-bike crash (BC) I loved to be on my e-bike and have ridden in numerous countries and been lucky enough to explore some of the most amazing off the beaten tracks in NZ as well. I can’t ride anymore, and I’m so grateful I can reflect back on those experiences – so, always grab the moment.

Pinot Noir - I drink it.

I have memberships to the Auckland and National Gallery of Victoria Art galleries and really enjoy visiting them when I can and live theatre and concerts are another joy.

My cat Max; as demanding as he is, he’s also great company – I call him the ‘cat dog’ because he follows me everywhere, even on walks, and is always there to welcome me home.