A Super Māori Celebrant
Having orchestrated his own gorgeous kaupapa Māori wedding, Makaira now offers his services as an Indigenous celebrant.
With a passion for celebrating love and the choices we make to act on it, a flair for creative oratory in te reo and English, and a dedication to creating beautiful Māori ceremonies using tikanga that bring out the very best in people, being a celebrant engages Makaira's superpowers!
Makaira is available to conduct both marriages and civil unions, and loves conducting ceremonies i roto i te reo Māori - no English required! Similarly, te reo can be incorporated as couples prefer, with plenty of tautoko to help you articulate what you want to convey.
When it comes to tikanga, this is your wedding, and we heartily encourage you to take ownership over all aspects of it and do it your way! Do you really want stuffy black and white outfits inspired by Queen Victoria in the 1840s? Or do you have more imagination? How can your special occasion reflect and embody what is meaningful to you both and the glorious details of your brave and beautiful journey of love?
As an artist, I know that it's often the smallest details that carry the most meaning when we choose to celebrate what we love about ourselves and each other, our whānau, and the world around us. My strength is helping you to notice and uplift these details into your ceremony in ways that will enrich your audience and bring power to the embodiment of your love: beautiful messages of dedication to be spoken or sung, meaningful rituals for heart and spirit, and visual symbols in decorations and other taonga.
Don't just get hitched. Make it an adventure! If you want a meaningful wedding or civil union that stands out from the crowd and acknowledges all the hard mahi you've done to get here, your commitment to facing all the challenges with courage and integrity, and the wild sense of humour and genuine joy that got you through, let's celebrate that in style.
These kaupapa Māori weddings and civil unions are not only for Māori. Anyone wanting to incorporate te ao Māori into their ceremony with integrity and commitment is invited to get in touch. Makaira has a particular strength in developing ceremonies that honour and weave together the richness of our many beautiful cultures in Aotearoa. All love is celebrated here, and takatāpui couples are especially welcome!
“Makaira has a natural gift for creating spaces where all voices are heard; where a group of people come together as strangers, but leave as friends.”
- Rose Haskell, celebrant for Makaira & Tania's first of three weddings
“Makaira is a person of integrity with a passion for celebrating the good in people, building a sense of community, and sharing aroha. He has an inherent love of creating beauty.”
- Julie Wylie, MNZM
“I am writing to wholeheartedly support my dear friend Makaira in his application to become a celebrant. Having known Makaira for eight years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand his compassion, integrity, and genuine care for the people around him.
Makaira possesses a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, particularly te ao Māori, making everyone feel valued and respected. His empathy and exceptional listening skills allow him to connect and honour the diverse wishes and beliefs of others, which is an essential quality for a celebrant. Whether in times of celebration or moments of reflection, Makaira approaches each situation with warmth, understanding, and authenticity.
In addition to his personal qualities, Makaira is fully committed to supporting others, which means he jumps in wholeheartedly, making sure details are fully realised. He is experienced at planning and conducting events, such as his own recent wedding, ensuring that every aspect is handled with sensitivity and respect. I do not doubt that Makaira will bring these same qualities to his role as a celebrant, helping to create meaningful and memorable ceremonies for all involved. He has a particular focus on ritual and tikanga, drawing on his rich knowledge of te reo and mātauranga Māori.
Makaira has also demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the values of inclusivity and respect. His open-mindedness and willingness to accommodate different cultural practices and personal preferences make him exceptionally well-suited for this important role. In closing, I believe Makaira would be an outstanding celebrant, bringing compassion, dignity, and a personal touch to every ceremony he conducts. I offer my full support for his application and am confident that he will excel in this role.”
- Rani Allan, music therapist
The power is yours!
